TBR View: Leeds United need to be on red alert as Arsenal star comments on future

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Emiliano Martinez has claimed he is open to leaving Arsenal this summer and end his eight-year stay at The Emirates as a back-up goalkeeper – and Leeds United have got to be on red alert.

Martinez, 27, has enjoyed his most successful season since joining Arsenal in 2012 from Independiente – clocking up 11 appearances in all competitions after being promoted to second-choice goalkeeper behind Bernd Leno.

However, the uncapped Argentine – who was called up to the national team in 2019 – has played just 25 times in total for the Gunners in eight seasons. Now, Martinez has told TNT Sports that he could be willing to leave this summer.

“We will see. When [Sergio] Agüero returns, I would think about it. It is the club he [Aguero] loves. It can never be ruled out, I am open to everything, especially in England,” Martinez told TNT, when asked about an Independiente return.

According to the Daily Mail in January 2019, Leeds were interested in signing Martinez but a move never materialised. Instead, the Whites lured Kiko Casilla to Elland Road from Real Madrid – and have since signed Illan Meslier from Lorient.

Veteran Casilla is currently serving an eight-match ban after racially abusing Charlton attacker Jonathan Leko. He has served two of those eight games, while Meslier has instantly become a fan favourite since replacing the Spain international.

Meslier remains on loan but a permanent deal is expected to occur, but given Casilla’s current position – his future at Elland Road is in doubt. A new goalkeeper could be on the agenda for Leeds this summer, even if Meslier does sign permanently.

So, Martinez claiming he is “open to anything” has got to place Leeds on red alert and potentially bring Martinez to Yorkshire as competition. A fellow countryman of Marcelo Bielsa, Martinez could become a target for the Whites following his comments.