Arsenal: Emi Martinez Deal Perfect For All Involved

Emiliano Martinez has joined La Liga side Getafe CF on a season-long loan deal, a deal which is perfect for Arsenal and all parties involved.

At the beginning of the summer, Arsenal needed some clarity at the goalkeeper position. Wojciech Szczesny was returning from an impressive season-long loan at AS Roma, David Ospina was linked with moves away, and there were questions over the performances of assumed starter Petr Cech.

Related Story: 30 greatest transfers of past 30 years

Now, though, the Gunners have an element of certainty between the sticks. Szczesny has been sold to Juventus and David Ospina will has stated that he will remain at the Emirates for the upcoming season. With Ospina staying put, Emiliano Martinez didn’t really figure into the goalkeeper plans for this season. Cech will start in the Premier League and Ospina in cup competitions and Martinez would not be afforded the playing time his development requires.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Nonetheless, Arsene Wenger holds Martinez in high regard. He had this to say when Martinez signed a new contract last November:

"“If you look at him, I personally see all the top qualities that a goalkeeper needs. He has the stature, he has the passion, he has the technical quality, he has the decision-making, he has huge power and he’s not frightened of anything. I remember a game at Anderlecht in the Champions League – it was a decisive game where he saved us. In the League Cup, every time he plays, he does extremely well. I am very happy that he committed because I think he is the future goalkeeper at this club.”"

If Martinez is indeed to become Wenger’s future goalkeeper, he needs more game time, hence why this deal with Getafe CF is perfect. He’s likely to start for the newly promoted La Liga side, in a competitive league that he would not have had enjoyed had he stayed in North London, Wenger can continue to rely on the greater experience of Cech and Ospina and then his return, next summer, will welcome another chance to establish himself as a regular contributor.

If Martinez does impress in Spain, he may very well contend for the number one jersey he covets next season. Cech’s and Ospina’s contracts expire in 2019 and Matt Macey’s expires at the end of this season, a player who is seen little more than a sheer developmental project with little impact on the fate of the first team.

Next: Arsenal: 30 greatest players in history

This is certainly not the last we’ve heard of Emiliano Martinez and the temporary departure offers the perfect opportunity for him to continue making the transition from talented prospect to prominent starter.