Emi Martinez pens new deal with Aston Villa

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa celebrates after their side's second goal scored by Philippe Coutinho (Not pictured) during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on January 15, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa celebrates after their side's second goal scored by Philippe Coutinho (Not pictured) during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on January 15, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez signed a new contract with Aston Villa on Friday that will keep him at the club until 2027.

The fan favorite and 2021 Yashin Trophy nominee for best keeper in Europe has sparkled since joining from Arsenal in the summer of the 2020.

In 57 Premier League matches with Villa, the Argentine has posted 20 clean sheets, including 15 in 2020-21, which was the third-highest total in the division.

In 2021 he made his debut for Argentina and led the side to its first Copa America title since 1993. Martinez was named best goalkeeper of the tournament and played a crucial role in the final.

Martinez said on Friday that Villa “feels like home” and his ambitions are to “be in a Champions League final with Villa.”

“That’s why I’m committing five and a half years to this club because that’s where I want to get.”