Emiliano Martinez confirmed his exit on social media ahead of a move to Aston Villa.
The Argentine goalkeeper has thanked the Gunners, both the club and its supporters, for his 11 years at the club, where he made 15 appearances for the club.
Martinez moves to the Midlands after the club secured their Premier League status on the final day of last season, in a £20m deal, having excelled in goal after Arsenal’s regular number one Bernd Leno suffered a knee injury.
Argentinian Martinez has reportedly completed a medical and agreed on a four-year Villa deal worth around £60,000 a week.
The shot-stopper also enjoyed loan spells at six different clubs including Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves.
🤩 𝗘 𝗠 𝗜 𝗠 𝗔 𝗥 𝗧 𝗜 𝗡 𝗘 𝗭 🤩#WelcomeEmi
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 16, 2020
Aston Villa manager 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.
“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.”
After winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, Martinez stated that he would like to remain the number one goalkeeper for Arsenal or move to a new club.
“I always had that feeling that I would have my chance here at Arsenal, that season after season I was always trying to come back to the club I love to have my chance”
Talking about his departure from the club, Martinez added: “For me, I could not be happier to leave through the front door with the Arsenal fanbase supporting me and the club supporting me.
“I had 11 years at the club, and even if it was a hard road for me, and I suffered through my time at Arsenal, today I am happy and I tried to show young goalies how work pays off.
“They all understood at Arsenal and they support me for my decision. The Arsenal fanbase were always there for me, I felt their love. Even when Bernd got injured this season, I received loads of messages like ‘we trust in you,’ ‘you are our goalie’.”
Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero is also rumoured to be close to joining Martinez and could battle it out to start for Dean Smith’s side in the Premier League this season.
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