Mikel Arteta has commended Xabi Alonso and Chelsea for what he calls a "really smart" transfer decision, as both teams prepare for a major Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. This match will be an early encounter between two of the league's top contenders, both of whom have won their first two games of the season. Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is particularly focused on the recent signing of Emiliano Martinez, a goalkeeper who has been praised for his performances since joining Chelsea. Chelsea made a total of 11 new signings during Xabi Alonso’s first summer as manager, including the record £117 million acquisition of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. Another notable arrival was Emiliano Martinez, who also came from Aston Villa. Martinez made a strong impression in his debut match against Brighton, earning praise from fans and pundits alike. His arrival has been seen as a significant boost for Chelsea’s title ambitions, particularly in a position that had often been a point of concern for the club. Martinez’s move to Chelsea has been viewed as a strategic decision, especially considering his experience and success at the highest level. He was a key member of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team in 2022 and has been a reliable presence in goal for Aston Villa. His previous stint at Arsenal, where he spent eight years before moving to Villa, ended with the club winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2020 under Arteta’s management. Arteta expressed that he was not surprised by Martinez’s move to Chelsea and praised the decision as a strong one for his former club. Speaking ahead of the match, he said, “Obviously, I know Emi really well. We had him here. He is a top goalkeeper. It is clear what he is going to bring to the team, and I think it's a really smart decision.” This acknowledgment highlights the mutual respect between the two managers and the recognition of Martinez’s talent and value to any team he joins.