MARTINEZ UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
Villa sign £ 20m goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez shows off his new colours after signing for Aston Villa
EMILIANO MARTINEZ was enticed by a new challenge at Aston Villa after ending his decade- long stay with Arsenal.
The Argentine goalkeeper no longer wanted to play second fiddle to Bernd Leno after catching the eye as a stand- in towards the end of last season.
Martinez, 28, helped Mikel Arteta’s side win the FA Cup and Community Shield in what proved a triumphant farewell.
And as he headed to Villa Park in a £ 20million deal, he said: “I’ve been at Arsenal 10, 11 y years fighting for my spot. When I won the FA Cup and the Community Shield, I spoke to my family and d said, ‘ It’s time to have a new challenge’.
“When Aston Villa a gave me the opportunity y to fight for the spot and nd play loads of Premier emier League games, that’s why I decided to come here.
“I trust the process and I trust the manager’s playing style. I’ve been around in the UK for 10, 11 years already and I know Villa’s history and how big Villa are.”
Martinez is their third summer signing after Nottingham Forest full- back Matty Cash, above, and Brentford striker Ollie Watkins. Lyon forward Bertrand Traore is set to follow.
Having also tied down skipper Jack Grealish to a new five- year deal amid interest in the England midfielder, it has been a good week for Villa. Manager Dean Smith said: “We moved for Emi when we saw the opportunity.
“It is rare to be able to buy a topclass goalkeeper who hasn’t yet reached their peak age and who can therefore be a key player for our club for the long term.”
Watkins is off the mark already after netting in Villa’s 3- 1 Carabao Cup win at Burton on his competitive debut on Tuesday.
It followed his winner in a friendly y against g Manchester United after his club- record £ 28m swit switch.
Smith says the new boy i is great already strikers. on course to become one of Villa’s
The manager said: “I to told him not to worry abo about the price tag. You are only w worth what anybody is going to pay for you.
“I have no doubts he will score goals for us this season and be a very much- loved Aston Villa centre- forward.
“He knows how I like to play, he played centre- forward for me at Brentford.
“He is a great character, personality and someone I have worked with before.
“He scored against Manchester United in a friendly and was disappointed it didn’t add to his goal tally. He will be pleased he has got one now that goes in the record books.”