Aston Villa are preparing a bid for Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez, but they’re only planning to offer £10m, according to a report.

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Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez makes a save on July 15, 2020. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Independent report that Aston Villa are preparing a £10m bid for Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez. Villa are trying to take advantage of the reports that the Gunners may consider letting the player leave this summer to fill a gap in their squad.

Without meaning to be too harsh, Villa had some of the worst goalkeepers in the league last season. Tom Heaton and Orjan Nyland severely underperformed, leading to the club taking Pepe Reina on loan for half the campaign.

So it’s clear why they want Martinez, who was one of the best in the competition post-lockdown. But Arsenal want double Villa’s £10m bid, as the Independent’s piece admits.

According to previous reports on the goalkeeper, clubs in Spain also hold an interest. The likes of Valencia and Real Betis have already made that interest known, so with any luck Arsenal can spark up a bit of a bidding war.

I certainly wouldn’t want to see the club sell Martinez for £10m. It’s just not enough money to replace him or significantly boost the transfer budget this summer.

On the other side of things, Villa are probably a good destination. They aren’t a direct rival, so it’s better than watching him move to Chelsea to replace Kepa, or similar. If Villa are willing to pay the actual asking price, I’d imagine Arsenal will consider it.