When Bernd Leno was injured against Brighton, I think it's safe to say many of us were fearing the worst. He's been a gem of a signing, but the injury looked season-defining - for both player and club. We were then relying on Martinez who, though has been a loyal servant to Arsenal, had played less than 100 professional games and his most recent spell was at Championship club Reading. At the age of 27 too, this didn't bode well for confidence. However, I think it's safe to say he's been nothing short of exceptional since deputising (or so we thought). The biggest compliment I can give him is that we haven't missed Leno. One area where he looks a lot more assured than Leno is from crosses and corners - he commands his area so well. His back story is incredible too - coming from a low income background in Argentina to being a starter at Arsenal and winning a trophy with the club who he's always dreamt of being the first-team 'keeper for - what a beautiful way to end the season. The problem we have now is it seems, for the first time in decades, we have two top-quality goalkeepers. Both of them have been outstanding. But we won't be able to keep both players happy because they both want to be no.1 choice for the foreseeable future. What do we do in this situation? And if push comes to shove, and we need to pick one/sell the other, which one do we discard of and which one do we keep? Whatever we decide, it's going to be extremely harsh on one of them.
Martinez is way better with his feet, he's a genuine outlet for counter attacks and really helps us play out the back. I still would have Leno as number one as I think he is better overall
See, this is the thing - I think these reasons, alongside him being more commanding from crosses/set-pieces, is what makes me lean toward Martinez over Leno. It's not going to be a straightforward decision - and ultimately, it will be hard to decide.
For what it's worth I think Martinez should start next season as number 1, if he messes up give it to Leno
I think it's crazy that we are going into next season and we can debate who should be number 1 because they are both good and not due to who is less crap. Never thought I would see the day.
I was going to make a similar thread TBH. I think Martinez is now the No.1 he's done virtually nothing wrong - the guy's been excellent. He has also won over the fans with his attitude, I think it would be unfair to drop him at this point.
It's not that easy to sell in our situation. Leno's been good but has'nt really received much praise - probably due to the poor form of our defence. Martinez's value has shot up but he still only has 2-3 months of Premierleague football under his belt. In terms of the rest of the squad.. Mustafi - we bought him for £30m and he now has a 'calamity error prone' tag that he just wont shift. Will loose money on him. Sokratis - Again is seen as somewhat error prone. Bellerin - Injury prone? Ozil is on 350k - nobody wants to pay him that. Guendouzi - Great age, big talent but will be viewed as a troublemaker. We have players to sell but most of them come with some baggage that will negatively impact their sell-on value.
It's a good problem for a manager to have. I don't see it being an issue tbh. Both Keepers will get games and both will fight it out for the No1 jersey. As mentioned, Martinez has earned his starting place. It's up to Leno to win it back now
Well, it looks like Emi Martinez is going to be joining Aston Villa for around £20m. Villa have offered him £60k a week, which is more than double his current £25k a week wages. We reportedly offered 2 contracts to him and he rejected both. It seems to me that it's the player who is pushing for the move, rather than the club. If it's the case, as some outlets have reported, that he wants to be undisputed no.1 choice, then we can't guarantee him this because no-one's position in the team should be 'safe'. This is the point of having a competitive squad. But both Leno and Martinez are too good to have either one on the bench. He seems to want a 'secure' and safe position in a team where he knows he'll be starting every single week. Assuming this is true, we have to reluctantly let him leave.
Agreed. However, if the reports are true, then - taking the emotion out of it - we're doing the right thing.
Well personally I think he's the better keeper so would rather sell Leno than Martinez. However you only need one number 1.
Soo Leno is starting today and Martinez isnt in the lineup looks like he will be going Villa then. Real shame for me - Lneo maybe the better shot stopper but Martinez is better with his feet, more imposing and has better distribution. He waited 10 years for an opportunity , never but a foot wrong when he got it - yet still not 1st choice. Cant say I agree with Arteta here. Could just be a case of needing the £'s for other areas though I guess.
