Transfer Centre

Emiliano Martinez confirms Arsenal exit

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 15 September 2020

Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez confirms that he is leaving the club, with Aston Villa reportedly set to win the race for the Argentine's signature.

Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has announced that he will be leaving the Gunners after a 10-year spell in North London.

The 28-year-old has been sent out on loan six times during his stint in the capital but became an integral part of the FA Cup-winning team last season following Bernd Leno's injury, starting in the 2-1 win over Chelsea in the final.

Martinez also helped the Gunners lift the Community Shield in what will turn out to be his last game for the club, with the Argentine confirming on social media that he is set to depart.

"For me, I could not be happier to leave through the front door with the Arsenal fanbase supporting me and the club supporting me," Martinez said in an Instagram video.

"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. When you work hard, you are not going to be happy the whole time, you are going to have frustration, bad times in life.

"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'. That made me confident, made me win games and made me the keeper I am today.

"They understood my story and they love the way I worked in the club. I am so glad to be part of the Arsenal family for 11 years."

Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal for the shot-stopper, who made a total of 38 appearances for Arsenal, with 23 of those coming in the 2019-20 campaign.

Mikel Arteta's side have reportedly identified Dijon goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson as Martinez's replacement.