Injuries to Szczesny and David Ospina, a summer signing from Nice, handed third-choice goalkeeper Martinez a chance to impress in the Arsenal goal. The 22-year-old literally grasped the opportunity with both hands, and kept his third successive clean sheet when the Gunners beat Southampton 1-0 at home and despite conceding 3 goals in yesterday’s loss at Stoke he did not play badly.

The Argentinian believed his time at the Emirates was up when Wenger signed Ospina in July. However, he now has the belief that he can successful challenge for the number one goalkeeper spot at the club, according to Daily Mail.

He said, “I spoke to my agent and my family about it and they said ‘let’s wait one year to see if you get the opportunity, don’t rush it’. I was still young and I think I did good to stay here. I got the opportunity that my agent and family told me, so I am really pleased about that. Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world so I am in no rush to leave. I love this club.”

He further added on his growing belief of replacing Szczesny as Wenger’s first-choice ‘keeper. He said, “Yeah, Wojciech has got the spot when he is not injured and doing a good job as well. Hopefully if I get a chance against Stoke, I will keep a clean sheet and we can win the game. I am not too sure if I play Under-21s anymore because I need to be fit to play first-team. I am just thinking about the next game and in the future we will see.”

Do you think Martinez has the talent and temperament to challenge Szczesny for the number one spot at the Emirates?