Emiliano Martinez claims he can become Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper as he prepares for a rare Premier League outing against Crystal Palace tonight.
Injuries to Petr Cech (calf) and David Ospina (back) mean Martinez will retain his place after being drafted in for last Wednesday’s 3-0 win against West Ham.
Martinez is set to make only his fifth League start for the club but manager Arsene Wenger has previously described the 24-year-old as “world class” and the player is determined to seize the chance presented to him.
“When I extended my contract at Arsenal in November, I said that I wanted to be the number one for this football club,” he said.
“It’s the club that I love and I’m doing everything I can to become the number one. Obviously I have got two amazing goalkeepers fighting for that spot as well.
“I have been here for seven years and have played a few games already. When you have the opportunity you have to take it. I have been working hard for the past six or seven months, putting in extra hours. Physically and mentally I am ready.”
Martinez has had a series of loan moves, including at Oxford United, Independiente, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham and Wolves — experiences he believes have toughened him up for an extended run in Arsenal’s first team.
“It helps a lot,” he said. “I have played probably 40 games in the Championship and it helped me to develop.
“It’s not the same as playing at Under-23 or Under-21 level.”
Martinez may only have four top-flight appearances but he has three clean sheets in those games, a run he will be looking to extend against Palace.
“They have got a big striker in Benteke who is good in the air, so we expect loads of crosses into the box,” said Martinez.
“They have got brilliant players and a good manager, they beat Chelsea away not long ago. If you think this game is going to be easy, you are wrong.”
Francis Coquelin is available again after missing Arsenal’s previous game due to family reasons but Laurent Koscielny is absent with an Achilles problem.
