ASTON VILLA have launched a £20million bid for Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez – with David Raya lined up as a replacement.
Villa already submitted a bid for the Argentine, but fell short of the Gunners valuation.
Aston Villa have launched a £20m bid for Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez
According to The Athletic, they have submitted a second offer which is said to be closer to the £20m Arsenal want for Martinez.
The 28-year-old is seeking a move away from the Emirates having not been promised the No1 jersey next season.
After German Bernd Leno, 28, suffered an injury in June, Martinez filled in between the posts until the delayed end of last season.
But despite impressing during that spell, it is understood he has not been guaranteed his place back in the starting line up.
With Martinez wanting regular football it has prompted Villa to make a move.
Tom Heaton is out with a knee injury and will miss the start of the campaign, leaving the club in need of a stopper.
Arsenal would also be left searching for a replacement to provide back up and competition to Leno.
Brentford’s David Raya is an Arsenal transfer target
It is claimed Brentford’s Raya is Arteta’s preferred option.
But the Championship side – who lost in the play-off final last year – are adamant he is not for sale.
Martinez’s hope of leaving for a new challenge rest on Arsenal finding another goalkeeper themselves.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
