Rising goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has joined Aston Villa from Arsenal amid forecasts that he could have threatened the task of soccer goalkeeper Mat Ryan in Brighton.
Villa announced Martinez’s signing on Wednesday for 20 million pounds (A$35 million).
The 28-year-old Argentine, who signed a four-year contract, helped Arsenal win the FA Cup last season and the glory of Community Shield last month, had to play the violin at the time opposing Bernd Leno this season.
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While this is a coup for Villa, it is also a relief for Ryan, the last Australian in the Premier League after Aaron Mooy’s transfer to China.
Reports from UK week claimed that Brighton had entered the race to point out Martinez, a move that would have left Ryan out of danger.
The Australian has established itself as one of the Premier League goalkeepers, however, he has been put under fire by a feature riddled with mistakes in the 3–1 loss to Chelsea.
Ryan, however, claimed that he did not flink through the reports and told the Sydney Morning Herald, “If that were to happen, I would go ahead myself and do everything I could to maintain my position [on the team]. But at the moment, this specific circumstance is not a reality. There’s a lot of speculation, so I don’t get caught up in any of that. “
Villa chief Dean Smith said: “We are very pleased with the signing of our new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. We know how much Arsenal rated him and watched his remarkable performances last season in a more sensible team with a trophy. “
? #WelcomeEmi ? Induction of our new goalkeeper: EmiMartinezz1! ? pic. twitter. com/ZWTVEEHhXr
“We moved to Emi when we saw the opportunity, because it is rare to be able to buy a more sensible goalkeeper who has not yet reached his maximum age and who can be a key player for our club in the long run. “
That ends a few days for Villa, who bought England Jack Grealish for a new five-year contract.
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Meanwhile, West Brom has announced the signing of former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, who arrives at the Hawthorns thanks to a loose move from Zenit St Petersburg.
The Serbian alien has won three Premier League and Champions League titles in his nine-year stay at Stamford Bridge, which ended in 2017.
West Brom marked his return to the Premier League with a 3-0 loss to Leicester on Sunday.
“The Premier League is the league of the world,” Ivanovic, 36, told the club’s official website.
IVANOVIC 20 ?⚪️ pic. twitter. com/BnT1D4zJ3C
“I want to challenge myself and I’m in a position for the challenge. I am pleased to bet again in the Premier League. West Brom boss Slaven Bilic said: “This is a wonderful addition to us, a team that has just been promoted to the Premier League. He meets all the requirements for us.
“He’s done everything in his career, it’s beautiful. We’re excited. Add quality and delight on and off the field. “
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