TBR View: 26-year-old Arsenal man’s comments should ring serious alarm bells, Mikel Arteta must act fast

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Just over a month ago, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lifted the FA Cup safe in the knowledge that his goalkeeping ranks were well stocked.

However, the Gunners boss now potentially finds himself on the brink of losing two of his three keepers.

Emiliano Martinez, who has spent most of his Arsenal career as a deputy, excelled in the absence of first-choice Bernd Leno at the tail end of last season.

He helped Arteta’s side win the FA Cup at the start of August thanks to a 2-1 victory over Chelsea and followed it up with the Community Shield win over Liverpool.

However, speculation about Martinez’s future increased in wake of comments he made to Argentina’s Radio Continental last month.

“I showed that I can play, I need to play more games next season,” he said. “I want to establish myself at Arsenal and become first choice.

“If I don’t play, I’m going to move, I’m going to go where I play more.”

On Thursday night, The Telegraph claimed that Aston Villa are hopeful of signing the 28-year-old in a deal worth around £20 million, possibly as early as next week.

The same outlet also published an interview earlier on Thursday with third-choice Matt Macey, who said he was also looking to leave Arsenal and forge his own path as a first-choice player.

“For me it is all about playing regular football again,” said the 26-year-old.

“My focus is to go and find games wherever I can. The club are keen for me to go and play and be successful, wherever that may be and whether that is on a loan or a permanent deal.”

Although Arsenal have been linked with Brentford’s David Raya, the Bees are apparently refusing to sell.

Arteta now has a huge dilemma on his hands, with both Martinez and Macey seemingly heading for the exit door, and the search for replacements seems to be moving slowly – so he must prioritise this area, and act fast and decisively.