Aston Villa Has Completed The Signing of Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez From Arsenal

Aston Villa have announced the signing of Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal on a permanent transfer for a reported fee of £20m.

The Argentine goalkeeper, who is popular figure around the North London club, joined the Gunners 10 years ago as a youth player in August 2010 from home town club Independiente.

He made 23 appearances and started the last 11 matches last season, playing a vital role in goal as Arsenal won the FA Cup final against Chelsea, conceding just three goals in the six matches along the way to lifting the trophy.

The 28-year-old continued his superb form into this season Community Shield penalty shoot-out victory over Liverpool.

In total Emi made 39 first-team appearances for the Gunners, spending loan spells with six clubs Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, Wolves, Getafe and Reading, in order to develop his experience in the game.

Martinez signed a four-year deal with Aston Villa on Wednesday, and becomes Villa's third signing of the summer, following the arrival of striker Ollie Watkins signed from Brentford for a club record fee, and right-back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest.

Aston Villa's boss Dean Smith expressed his delight over the signing of the new shot stopper;

"We are really pleased with the signing of our new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez... He told the club's official website

“We know how highly Arsenal rated him and we watched his outstanding performances last season in a trophy-winning top side.

“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 fell out of favour at the Emirates stadium, following the return of first chioce goalkeeper Bernd Leno from injury, as the German started Arsenal's Premier League opener, and keeping a clean sheet in the 3-0 victory at Fulham last Saturday.

Meanwhile everyone at Arsenal thanked Emi for his contribution to club before he left and wishes him all the best for the future.