Aston Villa has upped their bid for Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez has made no secret of his desire to leave the Gunners this summer in search of a number one spot, after his brilliant end to the season in the place of injured Bernd Leno.
The Argentine has been with the north London club for ten years but last season was his first real opportunity to play for the senior team, and he took his chance with both gloves.
After helping Arsenal to their record 14th FA Cup, he made it clear he will only stay if he is given a fair shot at Leno’s shirt, and it is reported the club has made it clear the German is still their No.1.
According to The Athletic, Villa has already seen an initial offer for Martinez turned down by the Gunners.
But they are understood to have submitted a fresh bid that is ‘substantially closer’ to Arsenal’s £20million asking price, with the Villans offering Martinez regular first-team football in place of Tom Heaton, who is out with a knee injury and will miss the start of the season.
However, Arsenal will only let Martinez leave if they can find a replacement No.2, and so Aston Villa will be forced to wait to see if a deal can be struck.
