Unai Emery is hoping to sign Emiliano Martinez for Villarreal if Mikel Arteta chooses Bern Leno as his first-choice goalkeeper this season.
The 28-year-old has been at Arsenal for 10 years but has spent most of his time as an understudy or out on loan, playing for six other clubs on short-term deals.
However, the Argentine was given a chance to impress following an injury to first-choice Leno and duly delivered.
Martinez helped the Gunners to their 14th FA Cup and was chosen ahead of Leno for the club’s latest Community Shield triumph over Liverpool.
Reports have suggested that Martinez is now considering his future, with the Argentine keen on obtaining regular game time and hope the club do not price him out of the market.
However, while the club were ready to offload Martinez this summer, its thought they are now ready to offer him a new deal at the club and challenge Leno for the no.1 spot in Arteta’s side.
Arteta now has a big decision to make between keeping faith in Martinez or hand back the gloves to Leno. Neither would be happy to be the understudy to the other, so it is highly likely that one will leave before the transfer window closes.
If Leno reclaims the no.1 jersey, then Emery is keen to take Martinez to Villarreal to work alongside goalkeeping coach Javi Garcia, whom he worked with at Arsenal, according to the Telegraph (via Metro).
Schalke have also been credited with interest in Martinez as well as a host of Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa.
Due to his Martinez’s loyalty to Arsenal, the Gunners may be willing to accept as little as £7million for the goalkeeper, despite having two years left on his contract. But this all depends on whether Martinez wants to remain at the club or not
