Arsenal are negotiating to sell Emi Martinez to Aston Villa after the goalkeeper rejected a recent contract extension offer from the Gunners.

Goal report that Aston Villa are stepping up a move for Emi Martinez as contract talks with Arsenal ‘stall’. Villa made a second bid for Martinez between £15m and £20m, which the Gunners haven’t responded to just yet but it is being reported they are now ‘reluctantly’ ready to sell the Argentine keeper.

The Independent report that personal terms have been agreed between Martinez and Villa that would see him triple his wages from £20kpw to £60kpw. More importantly, it would guarantee him the number one spot.

Martinez wants to stay at Arsenal, but only if he’s the number-one goalkeeper and Arsenal are unwilling to give the same assurances to the 28-year-old as Dean Smith.

As a result, Gary Jacob of The Times claims Martinez rejected the latest contract offer from Arsenal while the Independent add Arsenal are prepared to continue negotiations with Villa.

He’s clearly only going to sign if and when Arsenal match Villa’s offer of regular football which they aren’t going to do.

The Guardian also claimed Arsenal and Martinez are still ‘some way apart’ in contract talks. Negotiations are ongoing, but, again, the club are competing with that strong offer from Villa and Martinez is asking for something he just can’t have.

All reports suggest Arsenal want to sign a replacement if they let Martinez go. Brentford’s David Raya is a key target, but the Championship club don’t want to let him go. The Gunners had the option to bring in Alphonse Areola on loan but he’s joined Fulham. Matt Macey has already made it clear he’s on the move and the club agree with him that he should go.

If Arsenal can find a cheap way to replace Martinez as backup, with Bernd Leno remaining at the club as first choice, it might be a good way to raise money for other signings.

If they’re spending everything they bring in on a replacement, it seems a bit pointless.