Roy Keane told Sky Sports during Aston Villa’s win at Southampton on Saturday that Arsenal sold Emiliano Martinez cheaply.
During the summer of 2020, Martinez, who had just won the FA Cup and the Community Shield with Arsenal, left North London and moved to Villa for £17 million [BBC Sport].
Since that move, Martinez has been outstanding for Villa and has helped the European-chasing side to ten clean sheets this season – only Man City have more.
Manchester United legend Keane lauded the impact Martinez has had in the Midlands and the ‘huge difference’ he has made.
“Recruitment was right for Aston Villa,” said Keane. “I know they got promoted and there was a lot of players [brought in]. 12 or 13 out of contract. Lots of changes.
“So, last season was expected that it was going to be hard work. But this season, I bet they cannot believe how well they are doing. They had a great start to the season when they won their first four games.
“Dean Smith used the word ‘platform’ and probably belief. And again, we talk about the signings.
“The goalkeeper has been such a huge bonus. To be able to get him at £17 or 20 million has been cheap really. And he has made a huge difference really. They are good to watch.”
Arsenal had no choice but to sell Martinez because he wanted first-team football, and he wasn’t going to get that at the Emirates.
Whilst Bernd Leno continues to thrive at Arsenal, his fellow teammate is potentially outperforming him.
It remains to be seen who finishes top of the clean sheets chart because Villa could also finish above the North London outfit at the end of the campaign.
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