Arsenal reluctantly decided to sell Emi Martinez to Aston Villa in the last few days, expecting to complete a deal for the transfer next week.

The Independent report that Arsenal made the reluctant decision to sell Emi Martinez to Aston Villa this week. They still don’t have an agreement with the Premier League club at this stage. But they’ll now continue talks to try and find one.

Mikel Arteta wouldn’t give the goalkeeper assurances that he would take Bernd Leno’s place as number one, insisting that the two would have to fight for the spot.

As a result, the 28-year-old rejected a contract extension offer from Arsenal. He’ll now move on to a club where he can have that starting role.

According to the same report, Martinez has agreed terms on a four-year contract with Villa. They’re his first choice, as he wants to remain in the Premier League.

The Telegraph also claim Villa are close to signing the goalkeeper. They’re hoping to complete a deal for around £20m at some stage next week. Unlike the Independent, The Telegraph claim Arsenal accepted Villa’s latest offer in principle.

Villa don’t have a Premier League fixture this weekend, as one of four teams to see their match postponed. Manchester City and Manchester United are both returning late after their European runs, so their opponents have to wait.

So Villa will hope to wrap up a deal for Martinez before their league season actually gets going on Monday 21st September.