Arsenal have set their sights on re-signing Emiliano Martinez as they prepare for the possible departure of David Raya.
Martinez joined Arsenal as a 17-year-old but never managed to nail down the number-one spot in north London and left for Aston Villa in search of regular game-time – after a series of loan moves – in 2020.
The 32-year-old has gone on to make 211 appearances in all competitions for Villa while establishing himself as one of the finest goalkeepers in Premier League football over the last five seasons.
He has also enjoyed great success at international level with Argentina, lifting the World Cup in 2022 and winning two Copa America titles in the space of four years.
But speculation has been mounting that Martinez could be set for a change of scenery this summer, with the shot-stopper visibly emotional as he appeared to wave goodbye to Villa fans after the side’s recent 2-0 victory over Tottenham.
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It’s understood Martinez has already received three separate offers to leave Villa and according to The Sun, Arsenal are among the clubs lining up an ’emergency’ move ahead of the transfer window.
La Liga giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are said to be plotting bids for David Raya and Arsenal have been forced to scour the market for potential replacements, with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia another a long-term target.
It’s claimed the Gunners ‘would be open’ to the prospect of cashing in on Raya for the right price and Martinez would ‘jump at the chance’ to return and succeed the Spaniard at the Emirates.
Martinez has four years remaining on his current contract with Villa.
Raya, meanwhile, is tied into a deal at Arsenal until June 2028.
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Earlier this week, Dwight Yorke urged Manchester United to consider a bid for Martinez, claiming the Argentinian was a ‘far better goalkeeper’ than Andre Onana.
‘It’s kind of a no-brainer,’ the former United striker told gamblingindustrynews.com.
‘Emi Martinez has been really exceptional for a number of years and again you could see why huge clubs would want him.
‘I mean Man United, I know they’re struggling, but even now you’d have to consider it because they’re such a huge club.
‘He wouldn’t just be bringing experience, but he’s a far better goalkeeper than Andre Onana, just going by the numbers.
‘I think for Onana, it hasn’t quite worked out, and everyone anticipated that he would have done well. But definitely, signing Martinez would be a huge coup for United.’
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