DOUBLE DEAL COMPLETED: Arsenal announces double shocking transfer signing as jubilation hits the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal reportedly want a shock reunion with Emi Martinez if David Raya leaves amid links to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Martinez left the Gunners for Villa in the summer of 2020 in a £16m deal and insisted he’d taken “a step-up” in his career rather than “a step-down.” During his five years at Villa Park, he became one of the most important members of Unai Emery’s Villans’ side, helping them become a Champions League team.
The 32-year-old is expected to depart this summer despite signing a new contract in August 2024, which expires in 2029. He’s been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, and he was in tears after Villa’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, which may have been his final home game.
Arsenal Eye Martinez Amid Raya-Spain Worries
The veteran goalkeeper would “relish” a return
The Sun reports that Arsenal want to re-sign Martinez if they are forced to enter the market for a new goalkeeper. Mikel Arteta’s current number one Raya finds himself in the sights of Real Madrid, who want a long-term Thibaut Courtois replacement.
Raya has also caught Atletico Madrid’s attention amid a superb spell at the Emirates since replacing Aaron Ramsdale. The Gunners are thought to be open to a sale if the price is right for the Spanish goalkeeper, who is a Los Blancos fan.
Arsenal would turn to Martinez, who would “jump at a second chance” to become his former club’s number one. The Argentine shot-stopper, dubbed “world-class”, spent eight years in North London but struggled to break into the first-team regularly.
Martinez made just 16 appearances and spent spells on loan at Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Reading and Getafe. He left nine months after Arteta’s arrival, who he called a “great leader” for letting him leave, and he’s since become a World Cup winner and a two-time Yashin Trophy winner.
A move for the 51-cap Argentina international is deemed “easier” now that Villa have failed to qualify for the Champions League. He was sent off in a 2-0 loss to Manchester United, who GMS sources understand are also keen on, in what could be his final game for the club.
