Marvelous Nakamba’s employers, Aston Villa have signed goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Mike Arteta’s Arsenal for £17m.

The Argentine goalkeeper who made 23 appearances for Arsenal last season including their FA Cup win over Chelsea has signed a contract which will tie him at Villa Park for four years.

Martinez who have been at Emirates Stadium for 10 years, since 2010 when he joined as a youth player have been described by Villa Manager, Dean Smith as a “key player for our club for the long term”.

He added that “it is rare to be able to buy a top-class goalkeeper who hasn’t yet reached their peak age”.

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

Martinez have become Smith’s third recruit this summer following the arrival of club record signing striker Watkins from Brentford and full back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta decided Bernd Leno would be his first choice this season and the German started Arsenal’s Premier League opener on Saturday – a 3-0 victory at Fulham.

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