According to the Independent, Aston Villa are expected to make a second bid for Arsenal’s goalkeeping hero Emiliano Martinez (27). Many fans are waiting for Mikel Arteta to emphatically dismiss the bid with a statement that declares that the Argentinian isn’t going anywhere.
The 28-year-old rejected a new and improved contract from Arsenal as he was given no clear assurances over being the club’s long-term No.1, despite a string of discussions between him and head coach Mikel Arteta. He insisted on playing time being his first priority.
Hence, Arsenal have reluctantly decided on selling Emiliano Martinez and are ready to hold talks with Aston Villa, as the Clarets are willing to make an improvement on their £15m offer for the goalkeeper. As per the Independent, he has already agreed to personal terms with Villa on a £60,000 per-week four-year contract.
Yes, Arsenal could get at least £20m but why dispose of such a valuable asset and one that embodies a revived Arsenal spirit. The shot-stopper is the longest-serving on the Gunners books with an attitude that impressed those inside and outside the club.
His is a story of patience, loyalty, and determination. A tale that has touched a large number of Arsenal supporters, many of whom are convinced that it’s Martinez who should be wearing the number one jersey instead of Leno.
Martinez is an impressive figure, who has a genuinely big presence in his own area and it’s noticeable how he imposes himself on advancing strikers with his physique and immaculate timing. Leno’s injury brought Martinez to the fans’ attention but it’s his character that has won hearts.
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When being interviewed alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the FA Cup win against Chelsea, Martinez broke down and had to walk away to call his family. The television cameras then captured the big man wiping away tears of joy propped up against the advertising boards and on his way to the Arsenal changing room after he was heard to say, probably when informed of an attributed bonus – “I don’t care about the money”. He saved his best for last when he fell asleep with his arms wrapped around the famous old trophy which ended up all over social media.
It’s thought that Aston Villa have met Arsenal’s valuation of £20m but there are other ways of raising the necessary cash for new players, Emiliano Martinez shouldn’t be sacrificed, what would that say about the club. ‘Desperate’ is one way of putting it and as much as Arsenal want Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar, they need to forcibly repel any advances for their end of season hero.
