Exclusive Lee Hendrie: Ex-Arsenal star Emiliano Martinez will swap Aston Villa for Saudi Arabia. The money is so enticing

Exclusive by Alessandro Schiavone

Capital Football have exclusively interviewed Aston Villa legend Lee Hendrie to ask him about the future of ex-Arsenal persona non grata Emiliano Martinez who is linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

The Argentine is also reportedly on the tabs of Chelsea and Man United but according to Hendrie, a move to the Middle East is on the cards.

Hi, Lee Aston Villa goalie Emi Martinez has been a big part of the club's success and rise from the ashes…how much were Unai Emery's team to lose if he leaves as those tears in the post-Arsenal game seem to have suggested?

Hendrie: "He’s a big leader and a big character in the changing room and for the guys on the pitch. He’d be a loss to anyone if we look at what he’s achieved in his career.”

He’s definitely leaving then?

Hendrie: "Yeah, it looked that way to me. It looked like there was a farewell there which is a bit disappointing because obviously you need big characters and leaders. And that’s why Villa have to make sure that they get that right if the inevitable does happen and he fors leave the football club. I do think everyone would be disappointed if he goes.”

Would letting him go show that the club ain’t as ambitious as it makes out to be? Diaby and Douglas last summer…Emi now…

“No I don’t think that. Emi is 32, he’s still young. There’s a shout of Saudi Arabia which is attractive to most players at that sort of age. I don’t think it would mean Villa aren’t ambitious, I am sure Villa want him to stay and offer him a new contract.”

Would you reinvest that money to bankroll the summer sessions and sign Marcus Rashford permanently?

Hendrie: "I am not so sure whether he's the right fit to be quite honest. I think Ascensio featured more in games and he would be a better fit and maybe a better price cost-wise. I think that might work better because you can take a punt on Marcus Rashford and it might not pay off and pay a lot of wages to make him come to the football club. I personally think he will end up going to Barcelona because there’s been a lot of speculation about it.”