Championship giants Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Getafe loanee Emiliano Martinez from Premier League Arsenal.
If Leeds United are to let a proven Championship goalkeeper leave this month, it makes sense for them to identify another as his replacement.
And after considering a move for Liverpool’s Adam Bogdan, AS Argentina claims that they have now turned their attention towards beating Crystal Palace to the signature of Arsenal’s Emiliano Martinez.
The 25-year-old is currently at La Liga side Getafe but wants to leave after making just three appearances all season. And while Palace have made an enquiry about signing Martinez from their London rivals, it is understood Leeds are the clear favourites.
And it is fair to say the former Argentina under-20 international ticks a lot of boxes for Leeds.
For one, he is cheap. The report does not state whether Martinez will be arriving at Elland Road either on loan or a permanent deal but the goalkeeper is unlikely to command a substantial transfer fee having made just 13 appearances for Arsenal since making his debut in 2012.
And Martinez has plenty of Championship experience under his belt, too, having featured in England’s second tier during short-term spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United and Wolves.
Leeds fans have been critical of director of football Victor Orta for signing players with no Football League experience. Martinez, then, fits the specifications supporters have been asking for.
Martinez has proven himself in the Championship and should provide more substantial competition to current number one Felix Wiedwald in West Yorkshire.
The deal is not done just yet but, assuming Leeds do get their man, they will have a goalkeeper who should have no trouble stepping up to replace Lonergan in Thomas Christiansen’s squad.
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