Arsenal goalkeeper issues quit threat

Brighton's Neal Maupay, center, scores his side's second goal past Arsenal's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at the AMEX Stadium in Brighton, England, Saturday, June 20, 2020. (Mike Hewitt/Pool via AP)

Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has warned he will quit the Gunners if he is not installed as the club's No.1 shot-stopper next seson.

The Argentine has impressed between the sticks since Bernd Leno suffered a season-ending knee injury in the defeat at Brighton following the restart.

He gave an emotional TV interview after helping Arsenal to FA Cup glory against Chelsea at Wembley, but has now told Argentine radio station Continental he is not willing to stay in north London to play second fiddle to Leno, or any other keeper.

“I have shown the club that I can play for them and when I return next season I need to have more games," Martinez said.

“That is the only way I will stay at Arsenal.

“My target is to consolidate my place with Arsenal and to reach the Argentinian national team as number one.

“I won’t stop until I get that and if I don’t play for Arsenal, then clearly I would move on.”

Martinez arrived at the Emirates from Argentine side Independiente for £1.1million in 2010 and has had loan spells at Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham, Wolves, Getafe and Reading.

Arsenal are keen to tie him down to fresh terms after a string of impressive displays at the back end of the season.

The 27-year-old's comments give Gunners boss Mikel Arteta a conundrum as he weighs up how to manage his goalkeepers next term.

Newly-promoted duo Leeds and Fulham, as well as Sheffield United, are said to have been alerted by the situation.

The Blades could be in the market for a keeper if they fail to seal a deal to bring Dean Henderson back to Bramall Lane for a third successive season on loan from Manchester United.