Emiliano Martinez is to complete his £20million move to Aston Villa on Monday.
The Arsenal goalkeeper underwent his medical at Villa Park over the weekend, having being left out of the Gunners’ matchday squad for the Premier League opener against Fulham.
Martinez helped Arsenal win a record 14th FA Cup last season
The 28-year-old impressed while stepping in for the injured Bernd Leno last season, keeping nine clean sheets in 23 games.
He ended the 2019/20 season by helping Arsenal lift the FA Cup, and began the new campaign by keeping his place for the Community Shield win against Liverpool.
But he was replaced by the fit-again Leno for the Gunners first 2020/21 Premier League game, with the clubs number one taking back his shirt for the 3-0 demolition of Fulham.
It was a clear indication of Arsenals decision over their goalkeeper dilemma, after Martinez openly admitted he would seek a move away from the Emirates this summer after ten years at the club if not given a fair shot at regular football.
That was a promise the Gunners couldnt keep and they have reluctantly agreed to sell him to Aston Villa for a fee that could rise to £20m.
Emiliano Martinez was emotional after helping Arsenal win the FA Cup, having spent ten years at the club with few first-team chances
Martinez will be the third new signing of the summer for Villa, following the club-record arrival of Brentford striker Ollie Watkins and the signing of Nottingham Forest right-back Matty Cash.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to replace the Argentine with Brentford goalkeeper David Raya with a £10m bid prepared for the 24-year-old Spaniard.
Speaking on Sundays Weekend Sports Breakfast, transfer guru Alex Crook said: Martinez is very much closing in on a move to Aston Villa.
Its my understanding he had his medical yesterday [Saturday] after being left out of the Arsenal squad for their opening match against Fulham.
Its package worth £20m. Brighton were also linked, although Im told they never made a formal bid.
Arsenal are already planning a replacement for Martinez, in the form on Brentfords David Raya, and theyre planning to spend £10m of the £20m for Martinez to make Raya their new number two.
Ray Parlour thinks it will be difficult for Arsenal to finish in top four
Martinez has been at Arsenal for ten years and I was lucky enough to interview him on Zoom a few times during lockdown. He was so chuffed, so excited that finally he was going to be Arsenals number one, and seemingly its been snatched away.
He was so desperate and determined to make his mark at Arsenal and keep that number one jersey and he hasnt had the opportunity to do so, so I do feel a bit sorry for him.
But, he has won a couple of trophies with the Gunners and Aston Villa is a great club and this is a great move where hell play regularly.