By Alan Hutton

16th Mar, 2023 | 9:56am

Tottenham expert on Emiliano Martinez agreeing deal after source's 'concrete' reveal

Alan Hutton has suggested Tottenham could struggle to sign Emiliano Martinez given his Arsenal links.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and Aston Villa defender said he wants Martinez to stay at Villa but acknowledged he would be an “outstanding signing” wherever he goes.

The 30-year-old’s current contract at Villa Park runs until 2027 after joining from Arsenal in 2020.

Last month (24 February), Football Insider revealed that Spurs have a strong interest in the World Cup winner and have been doing background checks to sound out his potential as a Hugo Lloris replacement.

According to Argentinian journalist Gaston Edul (12 March), Antonio Conte’s side have a concrete interest in the keeper and may make an offer in the coming weeks.

The shot stopper spent ten years with the Gunners where he struggled to make his mark on the side until an injury to Bernd Leno put him in the spotlight and ultimately secured him a move to Aston Villa.

Hutton suggested Martinez’s Arsenal connection could cause problems for Spurs in their attempts to sign him.

“I think Martinez is an outstanding goalkeeper,” he told Football Insider.

“They have still got to factor in the Arsenal link and how is he going to be with that? Some players would not go anywhere near it because of that.

“I know he was not a number one for Arsenal for a great length of time, but he was there for a long time. So would that be a factor? Maybe.

“I want to see him stay at Aston Villa but there is no getting away from the fact that he would be an outstanding signing.”

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