It looks like a mini-saga may well be over.
Arsenal have a dilemma in-between the sticks summer. Following Bernd Leno’s injury vs. Brighton last season, Argentinean goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stepped in and excelled in the German’s absence.
Now, both players are desperate to be the number one at Arsenal, but of course, there is only room for one. According to The Telegraph, Aston Villa are hopeful of completing the signing of Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in a deal worth around £20 million. They add that a deal is expected to be completed at some stage next week, with Leno set to be named Arsenal number one in the season opener vs. Fulham on Saturday.
It is worth noting that this situation appears to be constantly evolving. It was less than two weeks ago that the same paper (The Telegraph) suggested Martinez was close to signing a new deal at Arsenal. Perhaps this information may have been fed to the press by Arsenal in order to help raise the players asking price.
Arsenal will have been reluctant to sell Martinez, but with £20million coming in, it should help the club in strengthening midfield options, with a deal for Houssem Aouar perhaps possible.
The club’s inability (so far) to shift players like Sead Kolasinac, Shkodran Mustafi, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi mean Arteta may be forced to part with players like Martinez in order to generate the funds needed to rebalance the squad.
Arsenal would have to bring in a keeper if Emi left and there is interest in Brentford’s David Raya.