Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Emiliano Martinez signs new long-term Arsenal contract

Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has committed his future by signing a new long-term contract, the club have announced.

Martinez, 24, has been at Arsenal since 2010 but has so far only made 10 appearances for the first team, including two this season in the EFL Cup.

However, manager Arsene Wenger called the Argentine "the future goalkeeper at this club" and said he has all the attributes needed at the top level.

"He has the stature, he has the passion, he has the technical quality, he has the decision-making, he has huge power and he's not frightened of anything," Wenger told the Arsenal website. "I remember a game at Anderlecht in the Champions League -- it was a decisive game where he saved us.

"In the League Cup, every time he plays, he does extremely well. I am very happy that he committed, because I think he is the future goalkeeper at this club."

Arsenal did not disclose details of Martinez's deal, which comes after right-back Hector Bellerin also signed a new six-year contract on Monday.

Martinez spent last season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers but Wenger opted to keep him at the club this campaign despite David Ospina also staying to provide backup for Petr Cech. Arsenal also have former No. 1 Wojciech Szczesny on loan at Roma for a second straight year.

Martinez said that level of competition is helping him develop at the club.

"This is a big step for me, signing a new deal for Arsenal, training every day with big goalkeepers, big players and I feel like I'm one of them now. I really want to reach the top level," he said. "Arsenal means everything to me. I grew up here, I learnt English here and I've got everything in the UK. I love this club and I want to be the No. 1 goalkeeper here for many years.

"Since I signed for this club, [goalkeeping coach] Gerry Peyton told me that I had great talent and that I was the future. I think this moment is now and I'm trying to push forward. The boss is giving me the League Cup and I'm trying to prove myself, to show the fans and everyone how good I am.

"It's not just about playing well in a game, it's about being the first one to arrive and the last one to leave training too. I'm one of them, which is why my future is here."

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