Mikel Arteta's comments on Emi Martinez say a lot as Man Utd pull out of transfer race

Mikel Arteta revealed he never wanted to sell Emiliano Martinez at Arsenal (Image: Getty)

Mikel Arteta's previous comments about Emiliano Martinez highlighted the goalkeeper's talent long before his proposed move to Manchester United fell through.

The Aston Villa stopper was rumoured to be on the brink of a switch to Old Trafford following inconsistent performances from their current options, Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana.

Martinez seemed ready for a change at the end of last season, becoming emotional as he thanked the Villa supporters after their final home match against Tottenham . Despite rumours linking him with the Saudi Pro League, he didn't secure a summer transfer and played the full match against Brentford last week.

The 32-year-old was notably absent from the Villa squad on Sunday night as Unai Emery's side suffered a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, fuelling speculation he was keen to join the Red Devils. However, it was revealed on Monday that United had chosen to sign Senne Lammens for £18.2million instead, effectively ending their interest in the Argentine international.

It's believed United's decision to opt for the relatively unknown 23-year-old on a five-year contract over the seasoned Martinez was due to his age. The Mirror reported Martinez would also have cost United double what they paid for Lammens and would have commanded a weekly wage of around £200,000.

It represents a frustrating chapter for Martinez, who is now into his thirties and might have anticipated securing a transfer return to one of football's elite establishments by now. Villa acquired Martinez from Arsenal five years ago , and since then, he has experienced a remarkable transformation in his career.

Martinez, who has revealed all on what Arteta's like both as a manager and team-mate , had spent a decade at Arsenal , completing six loan spells at various clubs, before eventually being given an extended opportunity in the first team. This was during the previous campaign following an injury to established number one Bernd Leno.

The Argentinian excelled in the Premier League and proved instrumental in the squad that claimed a record-extending 14th FA Cup at Wembley. However, he was permitted to leave for Villa in a £17m transaction in September 2020, with Arteta retaining Leno as his primary choice between the posts.

Martinez may be set for a sheepish return to Villa's squad (Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

However, Arteta subsequently made the revelation that he had actually wished to retain Martinez . In fact, he only sanctioned his sale due to financial considerations and the goalkeeper's ambition to secure regular first-team football, rather than battling for the number one position.

Arteta commented prior to a November 2020 encounter between Arsenal and Villa: "He had a career of 10 years here. It wasn't just the last six or eight months. You have to look at everything he did through his time at the club.

"Obviously, it wasn't in my plans to sell him, but we gave him the chance because he deserved it. He performed really really well but we have to balance the books. We have to make the right choices in the market and obviously, I couldn't guarantee him to be the number one.

"He's a very ambitious person, he has been working really hard and he can see now that the opportunity is there. He's got the opportunity to play with Argentina and when a player asks you to do that I think you have to be open enough and tell him what you think about him.

"If he makes the decision to leave, you should try to support him because he deserves it for the way he has served the club over the years."

Martinez's exploits at club level don't nearly match up to his international feats

Arteta's comments demonstrated his immense respect for Martinez, who has struggled to achieve significant silverware at club level. This is despite being widely considered to be one of the globe's finest shot-stoppers.

This stands in stark contrast to his stellar international exploits with Argentina. He has achieved legendary status for his country following crucial contributions to two Copa America triumphs and a World Cup victory.

His remarkable stop in the World Cup final prevented France from securing victory in the dying moments, while his penalty shootout brilliance has repeatedly rescued his country when it mattered most. His feats have garnered him global recognition, including bagging the esteemed Yashin Trophy two years running and being listed among the Ballon d'Or nominees.