Arsenal boss Unai Emery is reportedly set to give Emiliano Martinez the backup role as a goalkeeper for the club behind German shot-stopper Bernd Leno for the next season.
Veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech announced that he will be hanging up his boots after the Europa League final in Baku. Although Arsenal had the chance to qualify for the Champions League with a win, they lost out to local London rivals Chelsea 4-1 in the final of the continental competition.
Arsenal is now in dire need of a number 2 goalkeeper who can manage the last line of defense when Bernd Leno is not called upon. The German has proved that he should be the one who will carry the mantle as the main shot-stopper but his understudy is yet to be decided upon.
Colombian keeper David Ospina spent last season on loan with Serie A club Napoli and the 30-year-old now looks set to join the Partenopei on a £3 million permanent move this summer. And now, it looks like Emiliano Martinez will be promoted as second choice keeper for the next season.
The Argentine joined Arsenal back in 2010 but has spent most of his time on loan deals away from the Emirates Stadium. Martinez has had loan spells at Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, Wolves, Getafe and most recently Reading.
Martinez made more saves and more high claims per 90 minutes than any other goalkeeper in the Championship last season (minimum 10 appearances), maintaining an excellent save percentage of 77%
Martinez had quite a successful spell with Reading on loan last season in the Championship keeping them away from relegation and looks like the man to be appointed as number two in the goalkeeping department.
The 26-year-old made only one appearance for Arsenal last season in a Europa League game and the Gunners are not looking to purchase another keeper considering they have a limited budget.
