Petr Cech is firmly established as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, but, beyond that, there is an element of uncertainty about the Gunners’ shot-stoppers.
David Ospina has been strongly linked with a move to Besiktas, whilst there have been suggestions that Wojciech Szczesny could spend another season on loan with Roma.
If both of those scenarios come to fruition, then it could well open the door for Emiliano Martinez to establish himself as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper.
The Argentinean has been on the cusp of the first-team for several years and has had to bide his time during four loan spells, the most recent of which saw him sent to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Martinez started well enough for the Championship side but he endured injury problems and was subsequently unable to regain his place in the team.
At 23 he is still rather young for a goalkeeper, but Arsene Wenger possesses much faith in Martinez and it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him become more prominently involved in the first-team next season.
Martinez showed some encouraging signs when thrown into first-team action during an injury crisis in the 2014/15 campaign, although he does have some improvements to make, especially with regards to situations when he is placed under sustained pressure.
For the most part, though, Martinez’s recent development has been rather encouraging and he will be seeking to add to his first-team appearances next season.
Arsenal have some talented young goalkeepers on their books, including Ryan Huddart and Hugo Keto, who will both be seeking to step up to the U21s on a regular basis next campaign.
The Gunners also have a decision to make on Matt Macey, who signed a new contract recently. The 21-year-old will be classed as a senior player for next season, meaning he will have to take up a space in the club’s Premier League and Champions League squads if he is to be eligible for those competitions.
There is a possibility that Macey, who previously had spell with Accrington Stanley, could be sent out on loan again next season.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Jesus blogger, take the night off after Vardy. You consummate pro you.
No comments on this story? Yeah, Vardy to the Arsenal will do that. You’re welcome, Hound and/or Blogs.
Yea but we have to see who has scored more, and clearly Vardy has a much better scoring record in front of goal than Martinez
Spoke to him a few weeks ago, his future for next season all depends on whether Ospina stays or not. Simple.