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Martinez reveals Arsenal ambition

Cape Town - Argentine shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez believes he has the talent to dislodge Bernd Leno as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper.

Germany international Leno arrived at the Emirates from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2018 and he was immediately installed as the number one, taking over from the retired Petr Cech.

The 27-year-old made 32 Premier League appearances during his debut season and although coming in for criticism for some mistakes at times, he had a decent campaign overall for the Gunners.

Leno has continued as first choice this term, appearing in all seven league matches, but manager Unai Emery has decided to use Martinez when it comes to the cup competitions.

The 27-year-old was between the sticks for the 5-0 thumping of Nottingham Forest in the third round of the EFL Cup and also kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 Europa League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Although unlikely to displace Leno this season, Martinez, who was recently called up to Argentina’s squad for the upcoming international break, says he is confident he will be number one for Arsenal eventually.

“Since I signed for this club, my goal was always to be the No 1,” he said. “If you want to be No 1 at Arsenal, you have to believe in yourself no matter what. I believe in my talent and I believe in my work.”

Martinez is expected to continue as cup keeper on Thursday when Arsenal welcome Standard Liege to the Emirates for Europa League action, while young Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli is in contention to make his first European start.

The Gunners head into the game on the back of a 1-1 Premier League draw at Manchester United on Monday evening, a result that has stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to six matches.

Belgian outfit Liege are on a five-game unbeaten run ahead of their trip to England, having won four straight games before drawing 1-1 against Sporting Charleroi on Sunday.

- TeamTalk Media

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