Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has pointed fingers at manager Mikel Arteta for the departure of Emiliano Martinez, criticizing the decision to sell the goalkeeper for a mere £20 million. Martinez, who left Arsenal three years ago, stole the spotlight at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, ranking as the best goalkeeper in the world and securing the 15th spot overall. Henry lamented Arteta’s alleged careless handling of the transfer, especially as Martinez now outranks notable players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Martinez’s football journey took a positive turn after leaving Arsenal, becoming the primary goalkeeper for both Aston Villa and the Argentine national team. Despite spending a decade with Arsenal, Martinez struggled for playing time until the 2019/20 season when he seized the opportunity, helping Arsenal secure the FA Cup and the Community Shield. His stellar performances have now elevated him to global recognition.
The twist in the narrative lies in Arteta’s decision to favor Bernd Leno over Martinez, leading to the Argentine’s departure. With the current goalkeeping dilemma between Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya, Arteta faces a challenging decision. While Arteta justified Martinez’s exit in the past, selling Ramsdale to a prominent club could present a different narrative, given the player’s exceptional skills and potential to reach the pinnacle of goalkeeping.
Emiliano Martinez’s remarkable rise prompts reflection on the managerial decisions made by Arteta, raising questions about the handling of talented players within the Arsenal squad. The debate around the sale of Martinez for a seemingly undervalued amount continues, as the goalkeeper’s success on the global stage contrasts sharply with Arsenal’s current goalkeeping choices.
