After being left out of the Arsenal squad in their opening day victory over Fulham, Emiliano Martinez is set to have a medical with Aston Villa. According to John Percy of the Telegraph, the deal is worth around £20 million with a medical taking place this afternoon.
It is looking increasingly likely that Martinez will be an Aston Villa player in time to start against Sheffield United in next Monday’s Premier League opener.
REPORT: Emiliano Martinez Set for Aston Villa Medical
An End to a Long Arsenal Career?
It has been a long nine years as an Arsenal player for Martinez. At times, he was the forgotten man at the Emirates with constant loan moves halting his Arsenal career. Just last season, however, he finally made the transition from the stagnating position of number two to the heroics of the number one spot following Bernd Leno’s injury.
Such is the harsh nature of football, though, his heroic performances, which led to a 14th FA Cup win for Arsenal, did not earn him a place ahead of Leno this season. Instead, Martinez was set for another season on the bench under Mikel Arteta until Aston Villa came calling.
End of Aston Villa’s Goalkeeping Woes
Last season, with an ageing Pepe Reina often taking the hot seat in place of the injured Tom Heaton, Villa struggled to come up with long term solutions between the sticks. Martinez’s arrival should put an end to any concerns when it comes to between the posts.
The Argentine shot-stopper has proven his capabilities on the ball, while also pulling off saves only the best pull off. For a reported fee of £20 million, Villa will be getting a player fit for the very best. Alongside the arrival of Ollie Watkins, once his reported medical is completed, Martinez could carry Villa to second season safety.
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