Arsenal make surprise goalkeeper transfer decision after Martinez displays

Emiliano Martinez Arsenal TEAMtalk

Arsenal will not look to sign a new goalkeeper in the next transfer window after being impressed by Emiliano Martinez performances of late.

That is according to a report in the Metro, who say the Gunners have been convinced the Argentine is an able deputy.

Following Bernd Leno’s injury against Brighton last month, Martinez has been the man to step in and provide cover. He has played four full games since, keeping three clean sheets and conceding just one goal.

And the report says that he has done enough in those appearances to show Mikel Arteta and his staff that there is no need to bring in a new ‘keeper.

The Spanish manager had been planning to recruit a new shot stopper as he strengthens several key areas.

Martinez, meanwhile, was expected to be allowed to leave in the search of regular first team football.

Leeds United are reportedly one of the clubs interested in signing the 27-year-old as they near a return to the top flight.

But it appears the North London club have performed a u-turn on those plans, with Martinez, who is contracted until summer 2022, set to be kept on at the Emirates.

 

 

Martinez signed for Arsenal in 2010, but has had limited opportunities in the first team. He has also been loaned out on numerous occasions, spending time with Wolves, Getafe and Reading amongst others.

He had made just 14 appearances before the current campaign, but has more than doubled that tally this term. Martinez has been Arsenal’s ‘cup ‘keeper’ in 2019/20, featuring in the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.

ARTETA PRAISES MOURINHO

Arteta has been talking up Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho ahead of this weekend’s North London derby.

Spurs are currently in the midst of a poor run of form, leading to criticism of the Portuguese manager.

But Arteta has backed the man who will be in the opposite dugout this weekend, describing him as “world class”.

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