Reports suggest ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could move to Spurs. Is he set to ruffle more Gunners’ feathers?

• Emiliano Martinez, currently at Aston Villa, is reportedly of interest to Tottenham, potentially succeeding Hugo Lloris as the Spurs’ first-choice goalkeeper.
• Known for his outspoken nature towards Arsenal, his former club, a move to Spurs would be seen as a classic Martinez move in an attempt to annoy Arsenal fans.
• Chelsea and Manchester United also reportedly show interest in Martinez, albeit with less pronounced intentions.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez might be preparing for another move that could stir the pot in the North London rivalry. Reports from TyC Sports suggest that the Argentine shot-stopper is on the radar of Arsenal’s fierce rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.

Martinez, who has been with Aston Villa since September 2020, has been making headlines for his consistent performances. His current market value is estimated at €28m, and his contract runs until June 2027.

Known for his outspoken nature, Martinez has often used the media to express his dissatisfaction about his time at Arsenal, maintaining that he was not given a fair chance.

The 32-year-old Argentine world champion’s previous comments and constant digs at Arsenal have been a source of annoyance for the Gunners’ faithful. Should he move to Spurs, it would seem like a classic Martinez attempt to ruffle Arsenal fans’ feathers further.

Tottenham are reportedly in the market for a new goalkeeper as Hugo Lloris, their current first-choice, has been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. Martinez, with his Premier League experience and world champion status, fits the bill for Spurs.

However, Tottenham aren’t the only club eyeing Martinez.

Chelsea and Manchester United are also reportedly interested, albeit with less pronounced intentions. Both clubs have had their goalkeeping issues, with questions over Kepa Arrizabalaga and Édouard Mendy at Chelsea and ongoing debates about David De Gea’s inconsistency at United.

It’s no secret that Martinez flourished once he left the intense pressure of Arsenal. After a decade at the club, he finally showcased his abilities in a standout short spell when Bernd Leno was sidelined with a knee injury. Despite his performances, there were no guarantees that Martinez would have maintained that level at Arsenal, but that didn’t stop him demanding to be made undisputed first choice.

Critics argue that Martinez’s decision to leave Arsenal rather than fight for his place revealed a character flaw that perhaps hindered his progress at the club in the first place.

His time at Aston Villa has been marked by success under Unai Emery’s guidance, but it’s worth noting that the expectations and pressures at a club like Arsenal are on a different scale.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Martinez’s future will likely be a hot button topic. If he does end up at Tottenham, it would surely add another layer of intrigue to the already fiery North London rivalry.