Leeds United are set to reach an agreement to sign on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after an approach from Crystal Palace was snubbed, according to AS Argentina.
The Argentine edition of the Spanish-speaking newspaper claim that Leeds are in the driving seat to secure the capture of Martinez, 25, as he is keen to end his loan spell at Getafe.
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 to the Yorkshire giants.
AS report the Argentine could be a Leeds player by Wednesday night as the club look to overhaul their keeper roster.
It is said that Premier League outfit Palace made an approach for Martinez but an offer was “not ideal” and was rejected.
Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen admitted on Monday that number two keeper Andy Lonergan could leave by Wednesday’s transfer cut-off.
The Sunderland fan website Roker Report claim that Lonergan, 34, has agreed an 18-month contract with the Championship relegation strugglers after Football Insider reported that the two clubs were in talks over a potential swap deal involving Lonergan.
Good move for Leeds?
Maybe. Leeds could not be accused of signing a player this time who does not know the Championship. 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. Leeds fans will hope that someone who has trained every day with Petr Cech has the tools and mentality to deliver the goods and push Felix Wiedwald hard for his No1 spot.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10
Likely to happen?
Given that Christiansen has admitted Lonergan could quit and AS are a reliable source of transfer news, there is a real possibility of Martinez being confirmed as a direct replacement for the Sunderland-bound keeper by Wednesday. This is definitely one for Leeds fans to keep an eye on.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10