Aston Villa are in pole position to wrap up a £20million deal for Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentina international excelled towards the end of last season as he filled in for the injured Bernd Leno, stepping up and playing a starring role as Arsenal went on to win a record 14th FA Cup.
At 28, however, Martinez is keen for regular first-team football and is ready to leave the Emirates Stadium to get it.
The goalkeeper has been with the Gunners for a decade but aspirations of being a Premier League No1 and Argentina’s first choice keeper means he is ready to leave.
Aston Villa are now closing in on a deal for Martinez and are ready to part with £20m to bring him in.
The goalkeeper was duly omitted from Arsenal’s squad for Saturday’s 3-0 win at Fulham and personal terms will now be discussed with Villa.
In his absence, Leno started against Fulham and kept a clean sheet during the win at Craven Cottage.
Brighton are also thought to be keeping tabs on Martinez and could make a late swoop for him too.