Arsenal offered chance to sign PSG's Alphonse Areola as possible Emiliano Martinez replacement

Alphonse Areola is now back at Paris Saint-Germain after spending the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Real Madrid
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Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan.

The French international - a member of Les Bleus' 2018 World Cup-winning squad - has been mentioned to the Gunners as a possible short-term replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who is being targeted by Aston Villa with Tom Heaton set to miss the start of the season and Pepe Reina now at Lazio.

Areola is understood to be keen on a transfer to the Premier League after spending last season on loan at Real Madrid as back-up to Thibaut Courtois, though newly-promoted Fulham are currently the favourites for his signature as they look to provide competition for current no1 Marek Rodak, with Marcus Bettinelli linked with Championship Middlesbrough.

It is not certain that Arsenal would move for Areola, but he could be seen as a good stop-gap if a replacement for Martinez is required.

Arsenal's summer transfer window

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As reported by The Athletic, Brentford's David Raya would be an ideal option, but head coach Thomas Frank has indicated that the Bees would only be willing to listen to offers for Aston Villa-bound Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma.

The current goalkeeping situation at Arsenal is difficult with both Bernd Leno and Martinez determined to be first-choice under Mikel Arteta in 2020-21.

Argentine Martinez has just two years remaining on his contract at Emirates Stadium, but one bonus is that he qualifies as a homegrown player under Premier League rules having spent the necessary time at the club prior to his 21st birthday.

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