Arsenal told they sold one of the best players in the world for just £17m in Mikel Arteta error

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It’s fair to say that Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have enjoyed a lot of success at Arsenal in the transfer market in recent years.

In particular, Arsenal’s signings in the summer of 2023 were outstanding, welcoming all of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and David Raya to the club.

Four excellent players who are all now integral to Arteta’s plans for now and the next several years. 

This past summer was designed to improve squad depth, and judging by Mikel Merino’s impressive Arsenal debut, the club have enjoyed success once again.

Riccardo Calafiori has also started incredibly well, even excelling at right-back in Arsenal’s comfortable 2-0 win over PSG.

That being said, after Wednesday night’s Champions League games, one or two fans might be pondering an age old question – did Arsenal make a mistake selling Emiliano Martinez?

Emiliano Martinez told he’s one of the best in the world after foiling Serge Gnabry

Alongside Jhon Duran, a player Arsenal might be taking note of right now, Martinez was integral in Villa’s brilliant 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Martinez denied Harry Kane and also former Arsenal player Serge Gnabry more than once – another inspirational display by a goalkeeper who loves to win.

READ MORE: Folarin Balogun makes Mikel Arteta claim ahead of facing Arsenal in Champions League this season

That being said, during the BBC Sports’ coverage of the Champions League, former Villa player Thomas Hitzlsperger hailed Martinez as the ‘world’s best goalkeeper’.

Arteta sold Martinez for £17m back in 2020, a decision that may appear as a mistake even if the club have landed on David Raya three or four years later.

Hitzlsperger said: “This is why it helps to have the world’s best goalkeeper. Emi Martinez has made two amazing saves now – remember his first one to spectacularly deny Michael Olise in the first half.

“He has played a big part in what could be an amazing night for Villa.”

Arteta already has another excellent young keeper at Arsenal

Looking ahead to the future of Arsenal’s goalkeeping department, many will now have their eyes focused on Jack Porter’s progression.

Porter made his Arsenal debut against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup, a remarkable feat for a 16-year-old.

Although, it’s not just Porter who’s impressing at the Hale End Academy right now.

New signing Lucas Nygaard was brilliant against PSG under-19s in the Champions League, delivering a highlight reel that Raya would be proud of.

So even if Arsenal did make a mistake letting Martinez go too early or too cheaply, there’s plenty more chances for the club to get it right.