Arsenal Goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez Signs 4-Year Deal With Aston Villa

Arsenal goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez on Wednesday signed a 4-year deal for a reported fee of £20 million with Aston Villa.

The 28-year-old Argentine, who has signed a four-year deal, helped Arsenal to FA Cup victory last season and Community Shield glory last month but faced playing second fiddle to Bernd Leno this season.

READ ALSO: Jack Grealish Signs New 5-Year Deal With Aston Villa

However, manager Mikel Arteta has decided to pick Bernd Leno as the first choice for the coming season, which means Martinez will have to seek the first-team action elsewhere.

Dean Smith: "We watched his ??????????? performances last season in a trophy-winning side. It is rare to be able to buy a top-class goalkeeper who hasn’t yet reached their peak age." ?#WelcomeEmi pic.twitter.com/rNCOeBHwph

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 16, 2020

Villa boss Dean Smith said: "We are really pleased with the signing of our new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. We know how highly Arsenal rated him and we watched his outstanding performances last season in a trophy-winning top side.

#WelcomeEmi pic.twitter.com/5VtRtMtgZF

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 16, 2020

"We moved for Emi when we saw the opportunity, as it is rare to be able to buy a top-class goalkeeper who hasn't yet reached their peak age and who can therefore be a key player for our club for the long term."

Martinez ends a 10-year association with the Gunners, following Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins in moving to Villa Park.

He was signed from Independiente in 2010, making 39 first-team appearances and spending time on loan at six clubs.

"Thank you, thank you for all of the years (of support)," Martinez told Arsenal.com. "I thank God for having the opportunity over the past few months to show the Arsenal fanbase what I am made of, and why I went on loan so many times.

"It was always to come back and win them trophies and give them silverware. I did it, I feel prouder than ever.

Arsenal could use some money

Arsenal has made some signings to strengthen their team but could still use more defensively-minded midfielders and speculations over Thomas Partey signing for Arsenal from Atletico Madrid could become a reality now with the £20 million derived from Emiliano's sale. 

If they could get Mesut Ozil and Mattéo Guendouzi off their books, then more names and announcements will be made very soon at the Emirate stadium.