Former Sunderland striker, Kevin Phillips, has backed Tottenham’s bid to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa despite the Argentinian’s previous affiliation with Arsenal.
The Independent reported last month that he is one of the goalkeepers Tottenham is considering as a replacement for Hugo Lloris.
Martinez has been one of the finest goalies in the Premier League since he moved to Villa and Phillips insists he would be a terrific signing for the Lilywhites.
He also adds that the lure of playing at Tottenham’s facility and their manager could see him ignore his Arsenal history and make the move.
“He’s been amazing for Villa – what a signing,” he told Football Insider.
“If they could get him, Spurs would be getting a fantastic keeper – he would be a great signing for them.
“But from Aston Villa’s perspective, they would be reluctant to let him go – he’s a top goalkeeper.
“It could come down to the player. Playing under Conte at that stadium and those facilities, it may be hard to turn down.
“When you’re Tottenham and you’ve got a world-class manager in, you have to target these top players. Martinez is certainly one of them.”
The Boy Hotspur says
Martinez didn’t spend so much time as Arsenal’s first choice and he left them because they underappreciated him.
This could make it easier for Spurs to convince him to make the move back to London.
Lloris remains one of the best goalies in the world, but he isn’t getting any younger.
Martinez is currently in the prime of his career and he is certainly a decent shot-stopper.
One big problem would be that Argentina’s number one might demand that Lloris leaves or be sold by Tottenham before he moves to the Tottenham Stadium.
It remains unclear how many more seasons Lloris would stay at Spurs, but he might remain for long if he keeps delivering fine performances.
Martinez is decent , better than Leno , I was surprised when AFC let him go.