Manager thinks he’s signed a ‘top-class’ player from Arsenal after ‘rare’ chance given

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Dean Smith has told Aston Villa’s official website that he feels that Arsenal were offering a ‘rare’ deal by allowing Emiliano Martinez to leave.

Villa have moved to bring in Martinez from Arsenal, after he became available this summer.

Martinez is now expected to become Villa’s number one straight away, and Smith thinks that he has signed a ‘top class’ player from Arsenal.

“We are really pleased with the signing of our new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez,” the Villa boss said.

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

“We moved for Emi when we saw the opportunity, as it is rare to be able to buy a top class goalkeeper who hasn’t yet reached their peak age and who can therefore be a key player for our club for the long term.”

Martinez proved his worth at Arsenal after Bernd Leno picked up an injury towards the back end of last season.

The Argentine stopper stepped in and barely put a foot wrong, as he helped Arsenal win both the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

Martinez wanted regular first-team football though, and with Leno back, Mikel Arteta simply was unable to promise him that.

Martinez should get the game time he desires at Villa, now he has made the switch.

Tom Heaton is still out injured, and Martinez will surely be picked ahead of Orjan Nyland and Jed Steer and walk straight into Villa’s team, with his debut likely to come against Sheffield United at the weekend.