Aston Villa prepare Emiliano Martinez bid

Aston Villa are preparing a bid for Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to Miguel Delaney of the Independent.

Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper Bern Leno suffered a knee injury in a clash with Brighton and Hove Albion forward Neal Maupay back in June, and though it was initially feared that he could miss up to nine months of action, the German has already recovered and could be named to start in the Community Shield against Liverpool today (Saturday).

Meanwhile, Martinez stepped in and impressed with his performances so much that some believed he could actually replace Leno as the starting ‘keeper. However, reports suggest Leno will resume his role between the posts for the Gunners, with the club potentially willing to let Martinez leave.

Aston Villa want to take advantage of the situation. A knee injury suffered by their own first-choice shot-stopper Tom Heaton in January prompted them to sign Pepe Reina on loan from AC Milan, but the experienced Spaniard has already returned to Milan and completed a move to Lazio.

Villa will try to sign Martinez for £10 million, though Arsenal are believed to want at least double that amount for his services.