ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta is set to scrap his transfer plans for a back-up goalkeeper and could offer Emiliano Martinez a new deal instead.
The 27-year-old has been in outstanding form since replacing injured first-choice Bernd Leno.
The Argentinian, who is under contract until 2022, was considering his future due to wanting more regular football and the Gunners looked for potential new additions to fill the void.
Now The Mirror are claiming Martinez’s performances along with the promise of game time will “persuade him to stay and challenge” Leno for the No1 spot.
Arteta is a big fan of both stoppers and is keen for Martinez to remain at The Emirates.
And the 6ft 2in ace is equally popular with his team-mates in the dressing-room – even more so after conceding just twice in his recent run of five matches for the club.
He had made just six Premier League appearances with several more in the cups during his nine years at Arsenal.
Now Arteta is keen for him to seize his chance.
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The Spaniard said: “That’s what he’s been trying to do for a long period now at the club.
“As I said before, his preparation, his attitude has been spot on.
“He’s been very respectful, very patient and now that he has the opportunity, he’s grabbing it.
“At this level, it’s not about two, three, eight or ten games, it’s about the consistency over a lot of games and that’s what he needs to prove now.”
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