Arsenal 24-year-old delivers update on future, makes ambitious claim
By Will Butcher
Emiliano Martinez is adamant that he will eventually become Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper despite being currently considered as third-choice.
Undisputed number one Petr Cech continues to rank above Colombia international David Ospina, who is warming the bench at the Emirates, leaving Martinez as back-up.
It’s an ambitious claim for the goalkeeper who has only made four Premier League appearances since joining the Gunners in 2010 from Argentinian side Independiente.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, the 24-year-old is remaining undeterred in his pursuit to become the Gunners’ number one stopper, rather than jumping ship for football elsewhere.
“You expect to be in the squad at the end of the week and I’m not, so that’s why I have to do something about it,” he said. “The chance will come so I need to be ready.
“I always believe in myself. I was a big player at my former club in Argentina so I can be a big player here. I believe in that and I won’t stop until I’m the Arsenal No 1.”
Loan spells with the likes of Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham and Wolves have failed to prove to manager Arsene Wenger that he is deserving of a starting slot.
In what Arsenal described as a new “long-term contract” on their website back in November, Martinez committed his future to the Premier League giants but is likely to be made to wait even further for a first-team chance.
A five-time Argentina Under-20’s international, Martinez is likely to be overlooked for the bench once again on Saturday as the Gunners take on Hull City at the Emirates Stadium.
Three points could see Martinez and the rest of the Arsenal side move up to second if both Tottenham and Man City lose.
In other Arsenal news, Alex Iwobi has named two members of the Gunners squad that helped him realise his potential.
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