Mikel Arteta has described Chelsea’s move for former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez as a “really smart decision” ahead of his return to the Emirates Stadium.
Martínez joined Chelsea from Aston Villa late in the summer window and is expected to face his former club on Sunday.
The Argentina international spent a decade on Arsenal’s books and eventually became a key member of Arteta’s first trophy-winning side before leaving for Villa in 2020.
Now he returns as part of a Chelsea team attempting to end Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season.
Arteta praises Chelsea move for Martinez
Arteta was asked about Chelsea signing his former goalkeeper during his pre-match press conference.
“I know Emi really well,” Arteta said.
“He is a top goalkeeper. It is clear what he is going to bring to the team and I think it’s a really smart decision.”
The comments were carried in reporting from Punch following Arteta’s press conference.
Chelsea’s official announcement of Martínez’s arrival highlighted his Arsenal history, including his role in the 2020 FA Cup triumph.
Martínez started Arsenal’s final 11 matches of that campaign after Bernd Leno suffered an injury and kept his place through the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.
He then helped Arsenal win the Community Shield before leaving for Aston Villa.
That period remains one of the first successful chapters of Arteta’s reign.
Martinez returns to Arsenal as Chelsea No.1
The reunion now comes with a very different context.
Martínez has developed into one of the most decorated goalkeepers in world football since leaving Arsenal, winning the World Cup with Argentina and establishing himself as a long-term Premier League No.1.
Chelsea have now brought him back to London to strengthen Xabi Alonso’s side.
The Blues won 4-3 against Brighton on Martínez’s debut before turning their attention towards Arsenal.
Our Arsenal vs Chelsea preview has the latest team news, predicted line-ups and tactical questions ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
Supporters can also follow every match in Arsenal’s title defence through our permanent Arsenal fixtures and results page.
Arteta’s current options bear little resemblance to the squad Martínez left six years ago, with our permanent Arsenal squad guide tracking the group now attempting to retain the Premier League title.
Martínez nevertheless represents a direct link back to the beginning of the Arteta era.
On Sunday, the goalkeeper who helped him win his first Arsenal trophy will be attempting to deny him three Premier League points.
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