Emiliano Martinez: Aston Villa sign Arsenal goalkeeper for £17m

Martinez joined Arsenal as a youth player in 2010

Aston Villa have signed goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from fellow Premier League side Arsenal for £17m.

The 28-year-old Argentine, who made 23 appearances last season and played in the Gunners' FA Cup final win over Chelsea, has signed a four-year deal.

Villa manager Dean Smith said Martinez will be a "key player for our club for the long term".

"It is rare to be able to buy a top-class goalkeeper who hasn't yet reached their peak age," he added.

"We know how highly Arsenal rated him and we watched his outstanding performances last season in a trophy-winning, top side."

Martinez leaves Arsenal 10 years after joining as a youth team player in 2010.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta decided Bernd Leno would be his first choice this season and the German started Arsenal's Premier League opener on Saturday - a 3-0 victory at Fulham.

He is Villa's third recruit of the summer after striker Ollie Watkins signed from Brentford for a club record fee and right-back Matty Cash arrived from Nottingham Forest.

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