Arsenal’s Emiliano Martinez appears to finally be set to leave the club, as he has been left out of the Gunners travelling squad to face Fulham.
According to a report in The Guardian on Friday night, Martinez is understood to not be in Arsenal’s squad for the season opener. That suggests that Arsenal have opted to go with Bernd Leno as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper for the season.
We know Martinez will not be happy to sit on the bench and so Arsenal appear to be set to cash in. The same report in The Guardian suggests that whilst Aston Villa have been interested and bid £15million earlier this week, Brighton have exceeded that offer. Arsenal are said to be looking for £20million for the Argentinean.
This morning we brought you the news that Arsenal were ready to sell Martinez at some stage next week.
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.
Arsenal would have to bring in a keeper if Emi left and there is interest in Brentford’s David Raya. Raya would not come cheap though, with Brentford not looking to sell one of their best performers last season. Following the sale of Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa, there will be no real financial need for Brentford to sell.