Arsenal have reportedly accepted a £16m bid from Aston Villa for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to reports in Sky Sports.
The 28-year-old joined the North London club back in 2012 and is currently the club’s longest serving player. He still has two years left on his current contract but is looking for more game time.
Last season, an injury to Bernd Leno saw him get an extended run in the team and the keeper put in a string of impressive performances helping the Gunners to FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs.
The Argentine was left out of the Arsenal matchday squad for their Premier League season-opener against Fulham on Saturday and it seems the keeper is on his way out of the club.
Sky Sports claim that Arsenal have accepted a £16m offer from Villa for Martinez and the fee can potentially rise up to £20m with add-ons. The goalkeeper will undergo a medical this weekend at Villa Park and will also use this visit to discuss personal terms with the Premier League club before completing a transfer.
During his time in London, the 28-year-old has spent many seasons on loan including spells in England as well as a stint in Spain. His performances last season allowed him to show what he is capable of. The injury to first choice keeper Leno meant that the onus was on Martinez to safeguard the Arsenal defense.
And to the player’s credit, he was commanding and decisive and ensured that the Emirates club did not miss Leno one bit. He also played a crucial role in helping the club finish off the season with some silverware as he popped up with some important saves in the semifinal and final against Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.
By making a move up north to Villa, Martinez should get an opportunity to play more first team football which might not be the case if he was to remain at the Emirates. He has two years remaining in his contract, and this would be the best possible time to cash in on him.
The Gunners are losing out on a talented keeper but now they can use the funds to focus on other potential signings. Martinez can leave with his head held high and now focus on his next adventure.
