According to the latest reports from the Daily Mail, Leeds United are still interested in a move for Arsenal’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. It is believed that the Whites are keeping Martinez as a backup option if they fail to land Real Madrid’s Kiko Casilla in this window.
The Whites have been linked with quite a few goalkeepers for quite some time now, and Casilla seems to be the first in line to come to Elland Road at the moment. However, if a move for him fails to go through, Arsenal’s third choice custodian Martinez could be considered who is open to moving to a Championship club this month.
The Gunners signed Bernd Leno in the summer, but the German has put in some indifferent performances of late. Petr Cech is also expected to leave the club by next summer. Therefore Emery might want to keep hold of Martinez at the moment.
The 26-year-old has been with Arsenal since 2010 and has deputised as the third choice goalkeeper for quite some time. Leeds United, on the other hand, are in desperate need of a goalkeeper and they have been linked with quite a few names in the past one odd month. However, no deal has materialised yet, but a deal for Casilla looks very much on the cards.
Bailey Peacock Farrell continues to be the no. 1 in goal for the West Yorkshire outfit, but it’s clear that he still needs more time to progress further. The Northern Ireland international has been behind some glaring errors, and Bielsa had confirmed that if not for Jamal Blackman’s injury; the Chelsea loanee would have started after the West Bromwich Albion game last year. Peacock Farrell got a lifeline and has continued to be the no. 1 in goal, but it’s clear that the manager had lost confidence in him as he had made up his mind about dropping him.
There is no doubt that United would prefer an experienced goalkeeper like Casilla over Martinez. The Arsenal man has got limited chances and is yet not proven at the top level whereas Casilla has 140 appearances in the Spanish top flight and has played for the Spain national team as well.
United should be on the lookout for an experienced goalkeeper as they have been troubled with goalkeeping options for quite some time. Last season, Felix Weidwald was behind some major errors and signing an experienced goalkeeper is going to be a less risky affair for the club. Also, someone like Peacock Farrell can learn a lot from Casilla. So for now, we think United should solely concentrate on getting in Casilla and avoid signing Martinez.
