'Pushing for this' - Pundit makes Arsenal transfer claim as Aston Villa deal nears completion

Aston Villa transfer news: Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is on the verge of a move to Villa Park and former striker Kevin Phillips has been speaking about the transfer

Former Aston Villa striker Kevin Phillips thinks Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is the driving force behind his move to Villa Park from Arsenal.

Martinez is close to agreeing a transfer to Dean Smith's side, a move that would bring an end to his eight-year association with Arsenal.

Reports earlier today in the Evening Standard have claimed that Martinez took the decision to depart the Emirates Stadium despite ending the 2019-20 campaign as Mikel Arteta's first-choice goalkeeper.

Because of a knee injury to Bernd Leno, Martinez - who spent time on loan at Reading last year - became Arsenal's first-choice stopper and impressed for the final nine games of the campaign.

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But now the 28 year-old is set to depart Arsenal with Leno back fit and no guarantees of Martinez retaining the number one jersey.

And Phillips thinks Martinez has asked for a move to Villa.

"I imagine that Martinez is pushing for this one," Phillips told Football Insider.

"He wants to play week in, week out and because of Bernd Leno he is not going to be guaranteed that at Arsenal this season.

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"Arsenal have made some bad decisions on players in the past, letting their contracts run down or letting them leave.

"From Villa's point of view if they can get someone in with the experience that he has got, it would be a great signing for them."

Martinez made 23 appearances in all competitions last season and played in the Community Shield defeat of Liverpool earlier this season.