Mikel Arteta has commented on Emi Martinez’s move to Chelsea this summer as he prepares to face the goalkeeper he sold in 2020.
That summer, the Arsenal manager had to choose between the Argentinian and Bernd Leno, ultimately siding with the German. Some fans would argue that Arteta made the wrong decision, given how Martinez’s career developed after leaving the Gunners.
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Martinez went on to shine at Aston Villa before sealing a move to Chelsea during this summer’s transfer window. His performances established him as one of the leading goalkeepers, while his career continued to progress after leaving Arsenal.
Leno did not last at Arsenal either, and the Gunners went through several goalkeepers before settling on David Raya as their current number one. Raya has since proven himself to be a superb player in goal and an important part of Arteta’s team.
Arteta has no regrets over Martinez
The Gunners remain delighted with the role they played in Martinez’s development, having brought him to Europe from Argentina. Despite his subsequent success, Arteta has no regrets about the decision to sell him in 2020.
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However, the Arsenal manager is certain that Chelsea made a smart choice by signing the World Cup winner this summer. Arteta knows Martinez well from their time together and understands the qualities he can bring to the Blues.
He said via the Metro:
‘Obviously, I know Emi really well.
‘We had him here. He is a top goalkeeper.
‘It is clear what he is going to bring to the team and I think it’s a really smart decision.’
Emi Martinez (Getty Images)
Martinez ready to face Arsenal
Martinez will now have the opportunity to prove a point when the Gunners face Chelsea. The goalkeeper knows Arsenal well and will be familiar with many of the players and the manager he worked under during his time in North London.
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Arsenal, meanwhile, have faced Martinez several times since his departure and should therefore have a good understanding of what to expect from him. The Gunners will hope that familiarity helps them find a way past the goalkeeper.
For Martinez, the meeting offers another chance to demonstrate why Chelsea believed he was the right choice. Arteta may not regret the decision to sell him, but the goalkeeper will be determined to show his former club what they let go.
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