Emi Martinez held a medical in Birmingham on Saturday, as he prepares to finalise his £20m move to Aston Villa imminently.

Goal report that Emi Martinez is on the verge of completing his move to Aston Villa, undertaking a medical in Birmingham on Saturday.

The Arsenal goalkeeper missed out on the win over Fulham this weekend, given the increasing likelihood of a transfer away from the club. Both Villa and Brighton were battling for his signature going into the weekend.

It looks like Villa will win the race now. After seeing Arsenal reject their first two bids, the midlands club finally matched the Gunners’ £20m valuation. They’ll finalise the move in the next day or two.

Arsenal offered Martinez a new deal, but wouldn’t guarantee him playing time. Villa offered better financial terms and a starting role, which is a big part of his decision to leave.

It’s a shame, but £20m for a backup goalkeeper is decent money and Bernd Leno is an excellent number one. He proved as much again on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet with a top early save following a mix-up with Gabriel.

If Martinez has to go somewhere, at least it’s now to a big-six rival. Personally, I hope Arsenal invest the money in midfield, rather than spending big on a replacement goalkeeper.

For now, though, signing a goalkeeper seems the most likely option. Arsenal want David Raya and the 24-year-old is keen on the move. He’s a good keeper and a solid long-term signing, so I’m not going to complain if they do bring him in.