Arsenal have officially confirmed that highly-rated goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has signed a new long-term contract with the club, as reported by club’s official website.
The 24-year-old youngster who joined the Gunners academy in 2010 has played a peripheral role in the first-team, but has been included in Arsenal’s pre-season tours in the past.
The Argentinian has gained some good experience out on loan in recent seasons and has been the North London club’s designated goalkeeper in the EFL Cup, keeping clean sheets in both games against Nottingham Forest and Reading respectively.
The youngster will most likely start the quarter final showdown when the Gunners welcome Southampton and if he can help Arsenal to the title in the Cup, it would be an excellent way to prove his credentials for a starting spot.
He has made ten appearances for the Emirates club in all competitions and will look to fight to fight it out with Cech and Ospina for the top spot, at least in the near future.
Martinez has revealed that the club means everything to him and wants to be Arsenal’s no.1 goalkeeper for many years to come.
Speaking to Arsenal Player, he said:
It feels amazing to be honest. I’ve been here for six or seven years already and to have the opportunity to sign a new deal is a great achievement for me and my family.
This is a big step for me, signing a new deal for Arsenal, training every day with big goalkeepers, big players and I feel like I’m one of them now. I really want to reach the top level.
Arsenal means everything to me. I grew up here, I learnt English here and I’ve got everything in the UK. I love this club and I want to be the No 1 goalkeeper here for many years.
Arsene Wenger heaped praises on the young keeper claiming the Argentinian has all the qualities to become a top goal keeper. He added:
If you look at him, I personally see all the top qualities that a goalkeeper needs.
He has the stature, he has the passion, he has the technical quality, he has the decision-making, he has huge power and he’s not frightened of anything.
Martinez is definitely the one to look out for going forward. Although at present it is difficult to see him getting much Premier League game time, but in the near future he may well receive the opportunity to be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and the good thing is time is on his side.
What do you say guys?
