Celtic are ready to hijack Leeds United’s attempts to sign on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to the Scottish Sun.
The regional newspaper claim that the Glasgow giants are keen to win the race for the Argentine, 25, as they look to land a new goalkeeper by tomorrow night’s transfer deadline.
The Scottish Sun report that Leeds have expressed an interest in Martinez, which comes after manager Thomas Christiansen admitted on Monday that number two keeper Andy Lonergan could leave by Wednesday’s transfer cut-off.
The official Arsenal website announced in early August that Martinez had joined La Liga club Getafe on a season-long loan but he has struggled for game time and that deal could be terminated in order for him to move in the next two days.
The Scottish Sun report that Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers has added Martinez to his list of targets after number one Craig Gordon suffered an injury that is expected to sideline him for months.
It is said that the Gunners player is keen on joining Celtic but there is no agreement in place with his loan club Getafe.
Good move for Celtic?
Maybe. Celtic could not be accused of signing a player this time who does not know British football. Martinez has had previous loan spells at Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham and Oxford United, although he was not always the first choice at those lower league clubs. It has been the case throughout his career for the Argentine, who has made only 13 Arsenal appearances in seven years at the club after serving a lengthy apprenticeship. There are question marks as to whether he has the calibre and mentality to deliver the goods at an elite club and push Dorus De Vries hard for his No1 spot. But, on the plus side, he is used to playing for a team with an intricate passing style and which builds from the back.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10
Likely to happen?
It’s certainly possible, and Celtic have an advantage over Leeds in that they can offer Europa League football and the greater possibility of the number one jersey.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10