Arsenal ready to sell Emiliano Martinez with Aston Villa talks to resume after £15m offer

Exclusive: Bernd Leno is now in line to start against Fulham in the season-opener on Saturday

Arsenal are ready to sell Martinez (Getty)

Arsenal have reluctantly decided to sell Emiliano Martinez and will now continue talks with Aston Villa, who are expected to make an improvement on their £15m offer for the goalkeeper.

Despite a series of discussions between Martinez and head coach Mikel Arteta, the Argentine has been given no clear assurances over being the club’s long-term No 1, with Bernd Leno in line to start Arsenal’s season-opening fixture against Fulham on Saturday.

The Independent understands that Martinez has already agreed personal terms with Villa on a four-year contract, worth in the region of £60,000 per week.

Dean Smith’s side are Martinez’s first choice as he wants to remain in the Premier League, despite firm interest from Villarreal in Spain.

Martinez has recently rejected a significantly improved contract offer from Arsenal as he has always insisted that playing time is his priority.

Arsenal value Martinez at £20m, and will now continue negotiations with Villa over the 28-year-old, with a fee yet to be agreed.

Despite Arteta wanting Martinez to stay at Arsenal and fight for the No 1 spot, the departure will help to fund further incomings, with the club’s interest in Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey long-publicised.