Emiliano Martinez became irreplaceable in many people’s eyes after a string of outstanding performances last season. The Argentine came in for the injured Bernd Leno and was one of Arsenal’s best players at the business end of the campaign.
Martinez played a big part in Arsenal’s wins against Manchester City and Chelsea in the FA Cup last season. The 28-year-old pulled off some incredible saves to keep the Gunners in the competition and then go on to win it.
With the new season starting this weekend, Martinez will hope to retain his number-one spot. However, Bernd Leno is back, which casts a big shadow over the Argentine’s future.
Aston Villa are reportedly in the race to sign Martinez this summer. Dean Smith’s side has already tabled a £15 million bid for the goalkeeper, which is some way off Arsenal’s valuation. (Mail)
The Villans, however, are expected to return with a bigger offer and Arsenal might be forced to accept it to raise funds to secure their other targets before the transfer window closes next month.
The Gunners will need to find a replacement for Martinez if he leaves and it looks like they have been offered the chance to sign a World Cup winner.
The Standard claims PSG’s Alphonse Areola has been offered to Arsenal on a season-long loan deal. The Frenchman is hugely experienced and has won a number of trophies in his career.
Signing someone as experienced as Areola makes sense, especially if it’s a loan. Arsenal would have a short-term replacement for Martinez and could make a decision about another goalkeeper next summer, when they will potentially be in a better financial position.
Arsenal fans would love to keep hold of Martinez but, if the Argentine leaves, many seem positive about signing Areola on loan.
Here’s how a few of them reacted on Twitter
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