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Aston Villa are being linked with a move for Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who finished the 2019/20 season in brilliant form for the Premier League club.

According to the Independent, an exit may be on the cards for the 27-year-old during this summer transfer window and Villa are preparing a move to try bring him to the Midlands.

It is understood that Dean Smith’s side are lining up a £10million bid for the Argentine shot-stopper, as they look to find a first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the new campaign.

The report explains that Arsenal could end up wanting as much as double £10million for Martinez, as he’s seen his reputation soar in recent months with his excellent displays.

Martinez, who earns £20,000-a-week, has been on the books at the Emirates stadium since 2010 and only been seen as a back-up option.

But the South American got his chance last season due to a Bernd Lenon injury and he finished the campaign with nine clean sheets in 23 games across all competition, which included him starting in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

TBR’s View:

With Tom Heaton still out with injury, it’s vital Villa get a new man through the door to be the number one and there is no doubt Martinez would be a real coup for them.

He’s was one of the standout players in the Arsenal team in the closing stages of the season with his huge presence in the box when it came to dealing with set-pieces, plus he’s got great reflexes and is solid with the ball at his feet.

Villa should be hoping to push up the league table after avoiding relegation next season and he’s the type of marquee signing that could help them do that, even if they do have to pay near to Arsenal’s £20million price tag.