Arsenal have confirmed that Emiliano Martinez has signed a new deal with the club.
The 24-year-old has made two appearances this season, both in the EFL Cup.
He signed for Arsenal in 2012, arriving from Independente where he had been since 2008.
Loan spells at Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham and Wolves prepared him for life as Arsenal’s third choice keeper although he must be confident of securing a role further up the pecking order in the near future to have committed to a new long term deal.
He has a total of 10 first team appearances for the Gunners, four of which came in the Premier League during the 14/15 season.
Arsenal, as usual, have not specified how long the deal is for but it is likely a four-year deal, tying him to the club until 2020.
Emi Martinez on Cech: "Petr has been a legend at Chelsea for so many years. His presence in goal is something I really look at" #Arsenal
— Gurjit (@GurjitAFC) August 7, 2016
Speaking about the deal, Martinez said,“It feels amazing to be honest.
“I’ve been here for six or seven years already and to have the opportunity to sign a new deal is a great achievement for me and my family.
“This is a big step for me, signing a new deal for Arsenal, training every day with big goalkeepers, big players and I feel like I’m one of them now. I really want to reach the top level.
“Arsenal means everything to me. I grew up here, I learnt English here and I’ve got everything in the UK. I love this club and I want to be the No 1 goalkeeper here for many years.
“Since I signed for this club, Gerry Peyton told me that I had great talent and that I was the future. I think this moment is now and I’m trying to push forward. The boss is giving me the League Cup and I’m trying to prove myself, to show the fans and everyone how good I am.
“It’s not just about playing well in a game, it’s about being the first one to arrive and the last one to leave training too. I’m one of them, which is why my future is here.”