Report: Brighton join Aston Villa in race for Arsenal’s Emiliano Martinez

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Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Emiliano Martinez appear to have been dealt a potential blow, with Football London reporting that the Arsenal goalkeeper has also agreed personal terms with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Martinez’s future at the Emirates has been in doubt for a little while. And it appeared that the Villans were close to landing the 28-year-old following a report from The Independent this week.

The report stated that Villa had agreed personal terms with Martinez. It was suggested that the goalkeeper was ready to sign a £60,000-a-week, four-year deal as the two clubs continued to discuss a fee.

However, Football London has now suggested that Brighton have also agreed personal terms with Martinez. Like Villa, they are reportedly yet to agree a fee with Arsenal, who want £20 million.

Football London notes that the Seagulls only joined the race this week.

TBR View: Competition should help Arsenal secure £20 million fee

Arsenal will be disappointed if Martinez leaves the club this summer. However, they may welcome seeing two clubs take negotiations to such an advanced stage.

It surely increases the chances of one of the teams making a bid that meets their asking price. Clearly, neither Brighton or Villa will want to miss out if personal terms are agreed.

And it will now be very interesting to see if either feels compelled to try and tie a move up quickly before he heads elsewhere.