Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is adamant Bernd Leno is a better goalkeeper than Aston Villa's Emi Martinez.

Arteta believes his decision to sell Martinez to Aston Villa and reinstate Leno as No. 1 will be justified when the goalkeeping pair face each other for the first time on Sunday.

Explaining why he ultimately backed the German keeper, Arteta was asked if he regretted the call.

He said: "No, when we sat down and we believed it was the right thing to do – he was still very willing to get the number one shirt and play regularly – I think we had to give him the choice to decide where he wanted to play.

"He has earned a lot of respect in this country, he has been here for 10 years and with his performances for us in the last few months. He believed it was the right club for him so I was happy to let him go and make the right decision for his career."

Martinez has maintained his form at Villa, despite conceding seven goals in his last two matches, and that has not surprised Arteta.

He added: "No, it doesn't. He has become really hungry, really competitive and really clear about what he wanted to do in the next chapter of his career so I am sure he will be a success."