Aston Villa have announced that they have agreed a new contract with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The West Midlands outfit have just started their first-ever campaign as a Champions League participant on the back of a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.
A wide array of new additions have been made in order to try to keep Villa in the upper echelons of the top-flight standings during 2024-25.
However, while further defensive additions are expected to be made in due course, Unai Emery has been boosted by club officials successfully negotiating fresh terms with arguably the most important member of their backline.
Villa have revealed that World Cup winner Martinez has committed his future to the club until the end of 2028-29.
'Best in the world'
In a series of social media posts, Villa have not been shy in describing their number one as the 'best in the world'.
While that is a claim that is open to debate, Martinez has won the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina since the back end of 2022.
Since 2021, Martinez has been the undisputed first choice between the sticks for the South American nation, earning a total of 45 caps.
The 31-year-old has also made 160 appearances for Villa in all competitions, keeping as many as 54 clean sheets since September 2020.
Just nine shutouts came from his 34 outings in the Premier League during 2023-24, yet they contributed to Villa upsetting the odds to finish above the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Martinez's latest appearance in a Villa shirt came on Saturday evening as his side recorded a 2-1 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.
What now for Villa's other goalkeepers?
Although there has never been any doubt as to who is first choice at Villa, it clarifies matters for Martinez's understudies.
Robin Olsen will seemingly continue as the club's number two, with January addition Joe Gauci in line to feature next in line.
Another loan could be found for Oliwier Zych after the 20-year-old made 26 appearances for Puszcza Niepolomice in the Polish's top flight last season. body check tags ::
