Mikel Arteta may have some regrets when it comes to his previous transfer market activity.
In general, Mikel Arteta has fared very well in the transfer market as Arsenal manager. Costly missteps have been few and far between, and he has built a young, talented squad who are capable of competing for major honours.
However, there are certain decisions that the Spanish coach may now reflect upon ruefully. For instance, given the Gunners’ current issues in their goalkeeper department, the manager may feel that it was an error to ever part with Emiliano Martinez.
Aaron Ramsdale may leave Arsenal before Transfer Deadline Day, and whilst David Raya is now established as the No. 1 between the sticks at the Emirates Stadium, he has not always been convincing in the role.
Arteta’s faith in Raya was criticised by Arsenal fans at times last season, and there may well still be a few out there who believe that it would be possible to find an upgrade for the Euro 2024 winner.
A few may even think that Martinez would represent such an upgrade. Certainly, the Argentine has impressed since being cut loose from the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2020, when he joined Aston Villa in a £20 million deal, as reported by The Standard.
Arteta had only been in charge of Arsenal for a matter of months at that point, and perhaps did not fully recognise the talent he had on his hands.
Former Arsenal star Emiliano Martinez hailed by pundit
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton certainly feels that the 2022 World Cup winner has proven his quality since leaving North London.
Speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, the pundit claimed: “Emi Martinez, I think he’s the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. I really do… I think that he has great presence, clout, personality. He annoys the pants off people, but just imagine being on his team, you’d love it.”
Arsenal will come face to face with Martinez once again this weekend, as the Gunners are travelling to Villa Park to take on Unai Emery’s side in a Premier League clash.
Do Arsenal have a goalkeeper problem?
If Ramsdale does depart, then Arteta will need to immediately source a direct replacement for the England international. No one else in the first team squad can offer back up for Raya.
Arsenal have already identified Joan Garcia as the ideal replacement for Ramsdale.
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