Arsenal have agreed to sell number two goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa in a stunning £20million deal, and the Argentine completed his medical at Villa Park on Saturday.
talkSPORT understands Martinez underwent his medical after being left out of the matchday squad for the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Fulham.
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The 28-year-old impressed while stepping in for the injured Bernd Leno last season, keeping nine clean sheets in 23 games.
He ended the 2019/20 season by helping Arsenal lift the FA Cup, and began the new campaign by keeping his place for the Community Shield win against Liverpool.
But he was replaced by the fit-again Leno for the Gunners’ first 2020/21 Premier League game, with the club’s number one taking back his shirt for the 3-0 demolition of Fulham.
It was a clear indication of Arsenal’s decision over their goalkeeper dilemma, after Martinez openly admitted he would seek a move away from the Emirates this summer after ten years at the club if not given a fair shot at regular football.
That was a promise the Gunners couldn’t keep and, according to talkSPORT’s transfer guru Alex Crook, they have agreed to sell him to Aston Villa for a free that could rise to £20m.
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Martinez will be the third new signing of the summer for Villa, following the club-record arrival of Brentford striker Ollie Watkins and the signing of Nottingham Forest right-back Matty Cash.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to replace the Argentine with Brentford goalkeeper David Raya with a £10m bid prepared for the 24-year-old Spaniard.
Speaking on Sunday’s Weekend Sports Breakfast, Crook said: “Martinez is very much closing in on a move to Aston Villa.
“It’s my understanding he had his medical yesterday [Saturday] after being left out of the Arsenal squad for their opening match against Fulham.
“It’s package worth £20m. Brighton were also linked, although I’m told they never made a formal bid.
“Arsenal are already planning a replacement for Martinez, in the form on Brentford’s David Raya, and they’re planning to spend £10m of the £20m for Martinez to make Raya their new number two.
“Martinez has been at Arsenal for ten years and I was lucky enough to interview him on Zoom a few times during lockdown. He was so chuffed, so excited that finally he was going to be Arsenal’s number one, and seemingly it’s been snatched away.
“He was so desperate and determined to make his mark at Arsenal and keep that number one jersey and he hasn’t had the opportunity to do so, so I do feel a bit sorry for him.
“But, he has won a couple of trophies with the Gunners and Aston Villa is a great club and this is a great move where he’ll play regularly.”
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