Arsenal are preparing to sell Emi Martinez this summer for a suitable offer, with Bernd Leno still the club’s first choice, according to reports.

The Athletic report that Arsenal are ready to sell Emi Martinez in the current transfer window.

Mikel Arteta and his staff still consider Bernd Leno as the first-choice goalkeeper at the club, despite Martinez’s strong end-of-season form. Given the Argentine’s strong wish to be number one now, a departure looks likely.

Arsenal put a £20m price tag on the goalkeeper this summer, but The Athletic claim Martinez is hoping they’d settle for closer to £10m if necessary.

Personally, I don’t think it matters whatsoever what price tag a player puts on themselves. That’s not their decision. So he’ll be available for £20m. Clubs in England and Spain are in for him, with Valencia and Real Betis already expressing interest.

Arsenal do reportedly have to pay Martinez a bonus payment, however. They agreed that the goalkeeper would receive a pay rise from his £20,000-a-week deal, and it would be retroactively applied to the negotiating period whenever they finalised the new contract. Even if he leaves, they’ll pay the extra for that period.

The Gunners will need to look for a replacement if Martinez leaves. They like Brentford’s David Raya, but the Championship side aren’t planning to sell. It doesn’t seem likely Arsenal would make much of a profit selling Martinez and signing Raya.

I don’t really want them to sell Martinez at all. I agree with the assessment that Leno is slightly ahead at the moment, mostly just for the length of time he’s been performing at a high level for Arsenal, but I’d only let Emi go for a very significant bid.

It’s up to any clubs with an interest in him to pay up or miss out.