Emiliano Martinez is reportedly close to signing a new deal at Arsenal, despite interest from several Premier League clubs.
The 27-year-old became Arsenal’s no. 1 following the injury to Bernd Leno which sidelined the German shot-stopper in the latter stages of last season.
As a result, Martinez, who is the club’s longest-serving player, got several starts between the sticks, including the FA Cup final and in Saturday’s Community Shield against Liverpool, where he impressed immensely, despite Leno’s return to fitness.
It was thought that Leno would regain the no.1 spot when the new Premier League season starts in September, and Martinez would be offloaded for the Argentine to play regularly elsewhere.
However, the Telegraph claim that despite several clubs in the Premier League club keen on Martinez, the goalkeeper is close to signing a new deal at the Emirates. The report goes on to say that the Gunners want his to remain at the club and have offered him a new two-year contract.
Mikel Arteta will now have to decide whether to keep Martinez as his first-choice goalkeeper (assuming he stays) or place Leno back in between the sticks. It is a good problem for Arteta to have as both are very capable of cementing a starting berth in the Spaniard’s side. It will also provide healthy competition for each other and keep both on their toes.
