David James believes Mikel Arteta made a mistake selling ‘monster’ Emiliano Martinez and says he would be ‘perfect’ for the current Arsenal team.
Argentina World Cup winner Martinez spent almost a decade in Arsenal’s first-team but was restricted to just 38 appearances as he lost the battle to become the club’s No. 1.
Martinez had loan spells at several EFL clubs during his time in north London and was finally sold to Aston Villa in 2020 for £17m.
Arteta decided Bernd Leno would be his first-choice goalkeeper for that season but would soon replace the Germany international with £30m signing Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale initially impressed at the Emirates Stadium, proving his doubters wrong following a switch from relegated Sheffield United, but also found himself on the sidelines when Arteta sanctioned Arsenal’s move for current No. 1 David Raya.
Raya has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League since joining Arsenal but ex-England goalkeeper James still believes it was a mistake to sell Martinez.
Martinez is also regarded as one of the best in the business having flourished at Aston Villa – now a Champions League club – and starring in Argentina’s World Cup win in Qatar.
