Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opened up on his decision to restore Bernd Leno to his starting XI.
The Germany international, who missed the end of last season with a knee injury, had to watch on from the sidelines as Emiliano Martinez impressed in his place.
However, Leno has been restored as the Gunners' no.1 for the new campaign as Arteta has made a decision that affects the future of the Argentine.
Martinez now looks set for a move away from Arsenal amid links to Aston Villa as well as Brighton and Hove Albion.
football.london understands there has been no agreement on a transfer fee yet between any of the clubs interested.
No team has met his £20million price tag although personal terms are in place with the aforementioned teams.
Speaking after the team news was confirmed at Craven Cottage, Arteta revealed that the speculation was a factor in his decisioin.
"We have a special situation," Arteta told BT Sport.
"Obviously the transfer market is open and we know all the rumours, so we made the decision to start Bernd [Leno] today."
With that said, it's safe to say this potential transfer has been given the green light from a number of Arsenal fans, as the cash injection could be very useful.
Following the arrivals of Brazilian pair Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes, Mikel Arteta is now expected to reshape his Arsenal midfield during the summer transfer window.
Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey and Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar have both been heavily linked with moves to the Emirates.
However, Partey's release clause in his contract at Atletico Madrid is £45m, and technical director Edu is reportedly in negotiations with Lyon for Aouar who could cost the same amount.
All of which means the Gunners have to raise funds in order to bolster their midfield options for the 2020/21 season. And that's where selling Martinez for £20m could come in handy.
