Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has opened up on his amusing text exchange with Emiliano Martinez ahead of Arsenal's clash with Aston Villa.
The Gunners host Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening in a match which pits goalkeeper Martinez against his former side.
The Argentine shot-stopper impressed for Arsenal last season, stepping up after an injury to Bernd Leno and playing a vital role in the club's FA Cup triumph.
Martinez's performances gave Mikel Arteta a selection headache heading into this season, as the Arsenal boss had to decide whether to continue with the 28-year-old or return No. 1 status to Leno.
Ultimately, Leno prevailed and Martinez completed a £17million transfer to Villa, where he has started strongly with three clean sheets in six matches.
But he clearly remains on good terms with his former teammates, as shown by his recent joke about inside knowledge of Arsenal with club captain Aubameyang.
“He knows [the secrets], but I’ve got no worries about that," Aubameyang told Arsenal's official website.
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“He knows a lot of things, but things can change on the day of the game.
“Emi is a great keeper and a great guy as well. It’s going to be funny to play against him.
“He sent me a message and said, ‘Hopefully you’re going to get a penalty and I’m going to save it.’ I said, ‘OK, be ready for the chip then!'”
Martinez spent 10 years on Arsenal's books but he only made 38 senior appearances for the club due to his six loan spells away from the Emirates.
He made an instant impact on his Premier League debut for Villa, saving a penalty during the 1-0 win over Sheffield United.
The victory was the first in an impressive run of four wins, but Villa have suffered defeats to Leeds and Southampton in their most recent games.
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