Aston Villa sign Robin Olsen on loan transfer until end of season from Roma to fight Emi Martinez for No1 spot
ROBIN OLSEN admits working with his new Aston Villa teammate Emiliano Martinez can only make him a better goalkeeper.
Hopefully, one who is good enough to push the Argentine international to become Steven Gerrard‘s new No.1.
The 53-times capped Swedish international completed a loan move from Roma until the end of the season and revealed it was a no-brainer once a club with Villa’s ambition came calling.
“It was an easy choice from the very first call I had from my agent,” revealed the 32-year-old, who has been on loan at Sheffield United and made seven Premier League appearances on loan at Everton last season.
“I decided to do whatever I could to sign for Villa.
“When I woke up this morning and I knew I was signing for the club I was really happy.”
Martinez dropped a rare clanger to gift Manchester United their opening goal on Saturday and Gerrard wants Olsen to be breathing down his neck all the way to next season’s world cup finals.
“Emi’s a really good goalkeeper and I think working with him will make me a better goalkeeper,” said Olsen.
“The level of the sessions will be high. Hopefully we can push each other to be better.”
Olsen has played in Serie A, the Premier League, the Champions League and has also starred for Sweden at the 2018 World Cup.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Meanwhile, Villa’s John McGinn is regarded as Manchester United’s top target on a list of four midfielders this month.
Old Trafford technical director Darren Fletcher rates the Scotland star highly.
McGinn, 27, still has more than two years left on his contract, so a deal in the summer is another possibility.
Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals