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‘Really’, ‘what have you done Arsenal’: Some fans think Arteta and Edu have made a big mistake
Arsenal controversially decided to sell Emiliano Martinez last year, a decision which some fans continue to criticise today.
The 29-year-old, who spent 10 years on Arsenal’s books, swapped the Emirates for Aston Villa in a reported £20million deal.
Martinez was a deputy for most his time at Arsenal, but excelled in the injury-enforced absence of Bernd Leno in the summer of 2020.

Indeed, the Argentine helped the Gunners win the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Arteta then had a dilemma, with Bernd Leno his then-established first-choice stopper and Martinez wanting first-team football.
As we all know, Arsenal chose to sell Martinez and keep Leno.
Obviously we have the benefit of hindsight now, but at the time it seemed a logical decision – Leno had been consistently solid for Arsenal, while Martinez was relatively unproven over a longer period of time.
But now, the two goalkeepers couldn’t be in more different positions.
While Leno has lost his first-choice role at Arsenal, Martinez is a Copa America winner and 2021 Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy nominee.
Cue Arsenal, Villa and neutral fans having their say:
And Arsenal sold him for 16m 😳🤣
— John Gallett (@JohnGallett)
Arsenal sold him to insure starting position of Leno. Who now wants to leave for some time already. What a loss, honestly.
— Daniel Domnenko (@Donny9421)
LOOOOOL EMI MARTINEZ MADE THE SHORTLIST FOR THE YASHIN TROPHY BUT LENO IS BEING BENCHED BY A 23 YEAR OLD RAMSDALE 😂😂😂😂
— z🇮🇱 (@afc_zar)
Yh I still like Emi tbf, always wanted him to stay
— AJ (@AJ_SR7)
Emiliano Martinez in 2021:
— BD Albiceleste 🇦🇷🇧🇩⚽ (@albiceleste4bd)
• 34 matches ☑️
• 13 clean sheets ⛔
• Copa America champion 🥇
• The best goalkeeper in the Copa America 🌟
• Nominated for the award for the YACHINE trophy 🧤
From Arsenal’s second choice GK to here… What a turnaround from this guy!
Martinez really got away from Arsenal and within a year is up for best goalkeeper in the world award!!
— Dickie G (@RichDevall)
Arsenal fans
— Savo’s Bandana (@BandanaSavos)