According to the Telegraph, Arsenal’s Emiliano Martinez is expected to sign for Aston Villa at some point next week in a £20 million deal.
The Argentine glovesman barely had a look-in before Bernd Leno’s injury against Brighton last term.
However, he rose from obscurity to help the Gunners win the FA Cup and the Community Shield with some fine showings.
While he would be a great addition for Dean Smith, Martinez’s arrival would see lighting strike twice for one unlucky Villa man – Tom Heaton.
The three-capped England international was enjoying himself for Burnley in the Premier League back in 2017. The 34-year-old was Sean Dyche’s No.1 and was also appearing for England, until a dislocated shoulder against Crystal Palace allowed Nick Pope in.
From that point on, Heaton barely got a look-in. Pope went on to shine, winning two club Player of the Year awards for his efforts, while Joe Hart arrived to add more competition.
He ended up finding refuge at Villa Park after an £8 million move. However, it looks like the ex-Manchester United glovesman could suffer a similar fate once again.
He is currently recovering from yet another injury, ruling him out of the Villans’ first three league games.
Unfortunately for Heaton, this will mean Martinez has a golden chance to immediately stake a claim for the No.1 shirt if he arrives.
Should the 28-year-old continue his fine form, then there is a real chance that Villa’s injury-stricken shot-stopper will be left twiddling his thumbs on the sidelines once again – even when he does return to full fitness.
Of course, there is the chance that Martinez might flop. Having said that, the Arsenal man showed impeccable opportunism to seize his chance in the wake of Leno’s injury, so that seems unlikely.
At a club who aren’t fighting for European football and trophies, perhaps this transition will be even easier for the Argentine at Villa Park with less pressure on him.
For Heaton’s sake, we can only hope that Martinez starts slowly.
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