Arsenal could face their former player in the last way anyone expected
Arsenal could be set for a reunion with their former goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, but it won't be coming against Aston Villa and will instead be in the last way anyone expected.
The Argentina international has been linked with a move to the Gunners' London rivals Chelsea in the final days of the window as he looks to secure an exit from Villa before the transfer market halts for the summer.
Mikel Arteta's side are set to face the Blues in less than two weeks on Sunday 6 September and Martínez could be lining up between the sticks for the West London outfit if a return to the capital does materialise.
🚨🔵 Chelsea are in negotiations with Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez camp over possible late move.
The Argentinian goalkeeper has been offered to #CFC as Suzuki will be the starting GK at Villa, as @David_Ornstein reports.
Talks ongoing; Chelsea considering this option. Dibu, keen. pic.twitter.com/NjziiInxZ4
David Ornstein and Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic revealed earlier today that Martínez's representatives have offered him to Chelsea with multiple sources corroborating the claim in follow-up reports.
Fabrizio Romano reported the Blues are in negotiations with the World Cup winner's camp with the the shotstopper willing to say yes to a move. Tottenham were also rumoured to be making a move, but there are no advancements as of today.
Martínez has been linked with a move away from Villa Park throughout the summer with Juventus targeting him up until just days ago, but no move came to fruition with a gap in valuation between the two sides.
His future in the West Midlands is very uncertain after Villa signed Zion Suzuki while Robert Sanchez's position as Chelsea's first choice is also in doubt due to being at fault for both of Fulham's goals in a 3-2 win at Craven Cottage on Monday.
This leaves Martínez as a viable option to at least provide his Spanish counterpart some competition as he pushes for a move away from Unai Emery's side for the second straight summer, having been linked with Manchester United last year.
Martínez joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 when Arteta decided Bernd Leno would be his number one going forward, at least he was until he was replaced by Aaron Ramsdale the following season. He has made 256 appearances for the Villains since making the move six years ago.
His record against his former side is mixed however. He has faced the Gunners 12 times since the 2020/21 season, winning five and losing six of the encounters. The latest meeting ended in a 4-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, during which he was beaten to a corner by Gabriel for the opener.
Arsenal will be hoping for similar luck if Martínez does make the move to Chelsea and starts between the sticks in their meeting in September. The Argentine has been relatively unpopular among Gunners fans since leaving and joining the Blues will do him absolutely no favours.
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