Arsenal confirm new long-term contract for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

Arsenal have confirmed their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has committed his future to the Gunners by signing a new long-term contract on 24 November.

The Argentine moved to the north London club from his native club Independiente and joined Arsenal's academy in 2010. Two years later he was promoted to the first team, but failed to cement a place in the squad.

Arsene Wenger allowed Martinez to leave on loan as he had spells at Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. This season, he has been used for the EFL Cup games and played a key role at the back in helping his side make it to the quarter-final. The highly-rated South American has kept two clean sheets in the competition this season.

A statement on Arsenal's official website read, "Emiliano Martinez has committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract. The highly rated 24-year-old first joined Arsenal's academy as a teenager in 2010."

"We would like to congratulate Emi on his new deal and look forward to his continued progress with the club."

Martinez has expressed his delight after signing a new deal with the Emirates club. He has explained as to why he extended his contract with his current employers, despite being the third choice goalkeeper, behind Petr Cech and David Ospina, at Arsenal.

"It feels amazing to be honest. I've been here for six or seven years already and to have the opportunity to sign a new deal is a great achievement for me and my family," Martinez told Arsenal Player.

"This is a big step for me, signing a new deal for Arsenal, training every day with big goalkeepers, big players and I feel like I'm one of them now. I really want to reach the top level.

"Arsenal means everything to me. I grew up here, I learnt English here and I've got everything in the UK. I love this club and I want to be the No 1 goalkeeper here for many years.

"Since I signed for this club, Gerry Peyton told me that I had great talent and that I was the future. I think this moment is now and I'm trying to push forward. The boss is giving me the League Cup and I'm trying to prove myself, to show the fans and everyone how good I am.

"It's not just about playing well in a game, it's about being the first one to arrive and the last one to leave training too. I'm one of them, which is why my future is here."