Argentine Newspaper AS are reporting that Leeds United are in contention to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has been on loan at Getafe this season. However, the La Liga outfit has preferred to use Vicente Guaita between the sticks leaving Martinez on the bench. The Spaniard, who is on loan from Arsenal, has only featured in three La Liga games so far.
Vicente Guaita had been rumoured to join Crystal Palace this January window with Roy Hodgson interested in adding a new goalkeeper to his side. The move would have seen space free up in goal for Martinez who would then have been able to play as a first choice keeper. However, the transfer never materialized and it is now being reported that Martinez could be on his way back to England to play for Leeds United.
A flying start to the new season saw Leeds United demolish opponents as they marched their way to the top of the table. Flawless attacking link-up play backed by a rock defence that kept four back to back clean sheets had everyone praising Leeds’ start.
Things rarely go smoothly forever, especially if you are a manager in an English league. Thomas Christiansen saw his side lose form drastically and the Whites have lost four of their last five matches drawing the other one. Such disastrous drop in form has shocked everyone who thought Leeds United would make a charge for the title this season. They are now ninth in the league and struggling for a playoff spot.
The situation at Elland Road has grown gloomy and criticism and suggestions have started flying into the manager’s office, free of cost. New signings are being suggested and players are being linked every other day. It is in this light, that Martinez is being looked at as an option.
Martinez has little future left at Arsenal as the goalkeeping duties at the Emirates is shared between David Ospina and Petr Cech. Martinez has previously been on loan to Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United and Wolves and his experience of English football will help him at Leeds.
However, the two aspects of the deal that are yet to be sorted are the nature of the transfer, with Leeds preferring a loan deal. The second and more important aspect is about the role of Martinez and the keeper should not accept a move if he has to play back up to Felix Wiedwald.
