Transfer Centre

Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez 'agrees terms with Aston Villa'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 11 September 2020

Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reportedly agrees a four-year contract with Aston Villa having not received first-team assurances from manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has reportedly agreed personal terms with Aston Villa ahead of a possible switch this summer.

The Gunners are eager to tie the 28-year-old down to a new contract at the Emirates Stadium after he impressed when standing in for the injured Bernd Leno towards the end of last season.

Martinez started Arsenal's Community Shield win over Liverpool but is understood to want firm assurances that he will be Mikel Arteta's first-choice keeper next season - something the manager has not yet provided.

Aston Villa are leading the race for his signature and have already seen a £15m bid rejected, with Arsenal holding out for £20m.

The Independent reports that personal terms have already been agreed, though, with Martinez set to sign a four-year deal worth around £60,000 a week if the two clubs can work out a transfer fee.

Arteta's preference is for Martinez to stay at the club, but they are willing to reluctantly let him leave in order to raise funds for other targets such as Thomas Partey.

The Argentine is also wanted by Villarreal, but his preference is to remain in England.