Former England goalkeeper David James has recently voiced his opinion on Mikel Arteta’s decision to sell Emiliano Martinez, describing the Argentine shot-stopper as a “monster” and suggesting that he would be an ideal fit for the current Arsenal squad.
Emiliano Martinez spent nearly a decade at Arsenal, but his opportunities were limited, making only 38 appearances for the first team. Despite his limited game time, Martinez showcased his abilities during loan spells at various clubs and in the few chances he got with Arsenal. His performances during the 2019-2020 season, particularly in the FA Cup, highlighted his potential as a top-tier goalkeeper.
READ MORE
In 2020, Martinez was sold to Aston Villa for £17 million, a decision that has since been scrutinized. At the time, Arteta opted to keep Bernd Leno as his first-choice goalkeeper, a move that later saw the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale and, more recently, David Raya. While both Ramsdale and Raya have had their moments of brilliance, James believes that Martinez’s unique qualities would have made him the perfect fit for Arsenal’s current needs.
On the Seaman Says podcast, James praised Martinez’s character and big-game mentality. He emphasized that Martinez’s presence and shot-stopping prowess are qualities that are rare in the Premier League today. “He’s a monster,” James said, highlighting Martinez’s ability to perform in crucial moments and his commanding presence in the goal.
MORE ARSENAL STORIES
James also pointed out that Martinez has proven his worth at Aston Villa, helping them become a Champions League club and playing a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup victory. According to James, Arsenal’s decision to let him go was a mistake.
The latest Arsenal news, straight to your inbox.
Get the biggest transfer stories, match reports and breaking Arsenal updates delivered directly to you.
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation has seen significant changes under Arteta. After Leno, Ramsdale was brought in and quickly became a fan favorite. However, the recent acquisition of David Raya has added another layer of competition. While Raya has impressed, James insists that Martinez’s unique attributes would have provided Arsenal with a more stable and commanding presence in goal.
