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Rumor: Martinez closes in on £19.5 million move to Villa

Emiliano Martinez
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Emiliano Martinez does not want to waste his prime years on Arsenalbench and is seeking a move away from the Emirates.

Arsenal began their 2020/21 Premier League campaign with a 0-3 away victory over Fulham. One player missing from the Gunners squad at Craven Cottage was Emiliano Martinez. 

The Argentine shotstopper is inching closer to a move to Aston Villa, rejecting contract extensions from Arsenal. Martinez has been at the club for a decade but has spent majority of the time away on loan. 

The goalkeeper wants continuity and had already warned Arsenal of his ambitions. With Mikel Arteta persisting with Bernd Leno, the club and the player have come at loggerheads.

According to the Daily Mail, Martinez is all but a Villa player now. The two Premier League clubs have reportedly agreed a £19.5 million deal for the transfer.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United and Schalke were also interested in the goalkeeper but Villa have beaten them to the punch. With Tom Heaton still injured, and Pepe Reina joining AC Milan, Martinez has plenty of first-team opportunities at his disposal. 

Arsenal have agreed to the deal after Villa matched thier valuation. They have offered £15 million plus another £4.5 million in add ons. 

The Lions will now focus their attention towards Werder Bremen Milot Rashica. The German outfit are marred by financial issues and will allow the winger to leave for £18 million.

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