Arteta defends Arsenal's ruthless transfer decision in response to Adams claim

Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal's decision to sell Emiliano Martinez ahead of their Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

The Gunners will host Dean Smith's men on Friday night as they look to get back to winning ways following their draw with Crystal Palace on Monday.

Arsenal will be up against a familiar opponent in Martinez who has starred for Villa ever since he made the switch to the Midlands in the summer of 2020.

The north London club controversially sold the keeper for £16million despite his impressive run in the team towards the second half of the 2019/20 season as Martinez filled in for the injured Bernd Leno during Arsenal's run to FA Cup glory.

Emiliano Martinez has impressed for Aston Villa since leaving Arsenal ( Image:

REUTERS)

Did Arsenal make the right decision in selling Emi Martinez to Aston Villa? Comment below

Arteta opted to stick by his then-no.1 Bernd Leno, before Aaron Ramsdale would take the jersey off him a year later after signing for £24m from Sheffield United.

Meanwhile, Martinez has gone on to be one of the consistent keepers in the Premier League and was instrumental in helping Argentina secure a historic Copa America in the summer.

But the Spaniard insists selling Martinez was the right decision for both parties as the keeper wanted to be regular starter, something Arsenal apparently couldn't offer him.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the meeting between the two sides, Arteta said: 'We made decisions with the best possible interest of the club. But as well a big participant was Emi.

"He got to a point in his career where under me he started to play big games very well.

"It was urgent for him because he wanted to play so long. He's a great kid. I played with him I managed him. I can say that I'm happy for him."

It's a debate that will continue to divide opinion as Tony Adams made it clear at the time that he disagreed with his former club's decision to sell Martinez.

Tony Adams reckons Arsenal's decision to sell Martinez was a mistake ( Image:

Twitter@footballdaily)

The ex-Arsenal captain told Astro SuperSport: "Martinez was incredible in their cup run. He was absolutely sensational.

"And I do like big ones and what Leno does struggle with, for me, is crosses and stuff. But it isn't about me. Arteta's gone, 'No, Leno is my number one, I like him' and he's put all his faith in him.

"But I don't believe that he's a top-four goalkeeper, for me. Martinez, it was coincidence, everything fell into place for Arsenal in the cup competition last year, it was like it was written in the stars.

"This goalkeeper comes in - been at the club for 10 years and not played 10 games - and he stops everything! He was a man possessed, he was absolutely incredible.

"And for me he was the number one. Now you've made the opportunity, you've got experience, go okay, yep. 'But Arteta's the man and he's chosen a different goalkeeper."