Emiliano Martinez (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Arsenal are considering handing goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez a new contract as a reward for his heroics in the last few weeks.
Martinez, 27, joined Arsenal’s youth ranks from Independiente in the summer of 2010. However, he spent his whole career on loan spells with clubs like Oxford United, Rotherham United, Wolves, Getafe and Reading.
Though he returned to the club last summer, he was used as an understudy to Bernd Leno. However, Leno’s injury in the final few weeks of the extended campaign came as a blessing for the Argentine. He has been in brilliant form and helped his side see out several big teams in recent days.
He was also instrumental in the FA Cup final win against Chelsea last weekend and has truly made himself available. Thus, the Gunners handing a new deal to Martinez seems to be a wise decision.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have managed to cap off their poor season with an FA Cup victory against Chelsea. Mikel Arteta has brought in changes to their system and it has paid off well so far. And one player who has benefited from the change is Martinez.
Since coming on as a substitute in the game against Brighton, the Argentine shot-stopper has been in sensational form. In the 2-1 win against Liverpool last month, despite Arsenal taking the lead, they were bombarded with an array of attacks and Martinez was able to keep them quiet.
He also performed in a similar manner against Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinals and his performances show he could be their first choice in goal.
Given the lack of depth in Arsenal’s goalkeeping department, keeping hold of the former Independiente man could be crucial for the Gunners next season. He could fight for the No.1 spot with Leno once the German returns from his injury.
The 27-year-old has managed to keep 9 clean sheets in 23 games across all competitions this season while conceding just 24 goals despite not having a spectacular defence in front of him.
And Martinez rarely put a foot wrong in the last few weeks for the Gunners, which helped them finish 8th in the league standings. If there’s one Arsenal player who deserves a new contract at the club it has to be this man given how he has performed this season.
At 27, Martinez has a long way to go in his career and after so many years of waiting, he has proved to be a match-winner for the Gunners. The £20k-a-week star could be their leader in the goalkeeping department if he continues with the fine form. Thus, Arenal should extend the Argentine’s stay at the Emirates by handing him a new deal.
