Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has reportedly been offered to Arsenal with Aston Villa stepping up their chase for Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine wants to be the Gunners’ No.1 after an outstanding end to last season when deputising for the injured Bernd Leno.
Villa are said to have launched a second bid for the keeper worth nearer to his £20million price tag.
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal have been offered Areola on loan as a short-term replacement for Martinez.
The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois at the Bernabeu.
Areola wants a move to the Premier League and newly-promoted Fulham are currently the favourites to sign him.
Brentford’s David Raya has also been touted as a possible replacement for Martinez, but boss Thomas Frank does not want to sell him.
Martinez has just two years remaining on his current deal and is counted as a homegrown player as he has been at the club for almost a decade.
Arsenal have already brought in Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes so far this transfer window, with Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey still a priority target.
