Does this young shot-stopper pose a potential threat to Szczesny?

Arsenal youngster Damain Martinez is eager to go out on loan so he can challenge Wojciech Szczesny for the no.1 jersey next season.

The 19-year-old, who is highly rated at Arsenal and has been in great form for the Reserves this season, believes he has all the credentials to emulate the young Polish goalkeeper if he secures a loan deal away from the club and gains first-team experience, like Szczesny did with Brentford a few years back.

As we all know, the 21-year-old rose from obscurity and emerged as Arsene Wenger’s first choice shot-stopper after returning from a highly productive spell with the League One club. Now it seems Martinez wants to follow in the Polish international’s footsteps.

The young Argentine keeper said:

‘Wojciech said he wasn’t ready for the first team yet so he went out on loan and learned so much there. Then he came back to Arsenal and played in the first team as he was ready.

‘Next season a loan spell could be an option for me.

‘I am still looking forward to being on the bench for a few more games, trying to do my best in the reserves and then be ready for the first team.

‘These are my ambitions for the next two months.’

But can Martinez emulate Szczesny and challenge the latter for the no.1 jersey? I think so.

With Manuel Almunia set to leave in the summer after his contract expires, Lukasz Fabianski out-of-favour and growing restless and Vito Mannone on loan at Hull City and not a favourable choice to both the Arsenal faithful and Wenger, I believe Martinez has a shot at becoming our second choice goalkeeper next season!

I think the Argentine youth international has the ability, athleticism and commanding presence to give Szczesny a run for his money, but perhaps not become our number one shot-stopper on a regular basis.

If Almunia, Fabianski and Mannone leave the club this summer, then I think Martinez should forget about seeking a loan deal and remain at the club, as he is likely to be promoted from the Reserves to cover Szczesny.

And who knows, perhaps if Shezza picks up a knock next season, Martinez could be given the nod, perform well and make the position his own, pretty much how Wojo did.

He may be a little young, which is a slight concern, but if he is good enough then Wenger should/will give him a chance.

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