Morning all.

So yesterday the news of Emi Martinez’s departure to Aston Villa finally become official.

We wish Emi well and the deal is a good one for both player and Arsenal.

Through Bernd Leon’s injury, Martinez finally got his chance of first team football for The Arsenal.

Martinez got a taste of first team football and now has the hunger to be first choice for the rest of his career.

When it became clear to Arsenal of Martinez’s intentions, the club had a decision to make, Leno or Martinez.

As we have mentioned a few times in the blog, you should always stick with the man who has consistently performed to a high level over a longer period.

Leno has played over 300 top flight games in England and Germany, and has not let Arsenal down during his 2 years on London. Backing Leno is the logical choice.

So Arsenal get around £20m to strengthen the squad elsewhere, and Martinez gets a chance to prove himself as a Premier League number 1 at Aston Villa this season.

He could go on to be a number one for the next 8-10 years, play over 300 games himself and end up in the Argentine squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Moving to a club that will play him week in week out is the right decision for him.

Now it is a case of who replaces him?

I am not a fan of us going for the Icelandic fella.

He might only cost £1-2m in comparison to David Raya who would cost £10m, but he will take up a non-home grown place.

Arsenal already have one too many non-home grown players in the squad.

It seems irresponsible to add a second choice keeper to the squad who takes up a non-home grown playing spot.

If we do sign Runar Alex Runarsson, it must show that Edu is confident in moving on enough non-home grown players to sign the additions we need.

Talk has intensified overnight over a big bid for Houssem Aouar.

The Lyon midfielder would add creativity in the middle of the park, and would be an excellent signing.

His friendship with Matteo Guendouzi could be free, with the Arsenal man currently being reintegrated into the squad.

You can see the possibility of keeping Guendouzi, adding Auoar and perhaps not signing Thomas Partey.

Speculation is that Sead Kolasinac could be off over the next couple of days.

Kolasinac, Lucas Torreira and Sokratis would bring us down to 16 non-home grown players. That would allow space for both Runarsson and and Auoar.

Any further signings would need a departure before any incoming.

Martinez leaves knowing that he has contributed to Arsenal’s history.

Enjoy the Indian sunshine.

Keenos