Martinez reportedly close to signing new contract at Arsenal
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Emiliano Martinez is close to signing a new contract at Arsenal despite interest from other clubs in the Premier League who have offered to make him their first choice goalkeeper, according to Mike McGrath of the Telegraph.
The Gunners do not want to part with the goalkeeper despite interest from Leeds United and Aston Villa, according to Cesar Luis Merlo of Argentine sports channel TyC Sports. The player’s camp recognises that his exit will be very difficult. This has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano. Schalke are also reportedly interested in signing Martinez this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The Argentine was chosen ahead of Bernd Leno in yesterday’s Community Shield victory over Liverpool and put in another impressive performance. The 27 year old hasn’t put a foot wrong during his extended run in the first team and looks the more likely of the two goalkeepers at Arsenal to start their first Premier League game away to Fulham in just under two weeks.

The player has two years remaining on his current deal with Arsenal but has been offered a new contract and is likely to get more game time this season. Martinez has made it clear that he would choose to leave the club if he found himself on the bench this season and one can only assume that if he is close to signing a new deal with the Gunners, he expects to get regular game time in the upcoming campaign.

There were rumours over the weekend that suggested the Gunners were considering selling the Argentine as they considered Bernd Leno their first choice goalkeeper. Arsenal were believed to value the 27 year old at £20 million but the goalkeeper hoped the North London club would accept bids less than £10 million if necessary due to his years of service to the club.
Based on the fact that Arteta played him over Leno in an important game for the Gunners and the report today suggesting he is close to signing a new contract, it looks like he is more likely to stay this summer than leave.
Martinez should be the no 1, he has stayed with arsenal for a long time waiting for his chance, and now is showing that he is a top class keeper. Keep the faith with him, and let Leno fight for the shirt, rather then be handed it.