Emi Martinez's true feelings on Arsenal as former club eye shock transfer swoop

Arsenal have been linked with a stunning return for ex-goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after news he could leave Aston Villa this summer, and the World Cup winner has previously admitted he still loves his old club

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez previously admitted he will "always love" the Gunners after he helped Aston Villa beat his old side 2-0 last month, with the Argentine now being linked with a stunning return to the Emirates. Martinez looks likely to leave Villa Park this summer following five seasons at the club and speculation has been mounting over his next club.

Recent reports have claimed he could even move back to Arsenal after leaving them in 2020, despite Mikel Arteta brutally showing him the door after leaving him out of his plans.

The Sun has claimed that Arsenal are seriously considering bringing him back to the Emirates after fears of losing David Raya following their disappointing season - and the World Cup winner would also be interested in reunited with his former club.

There have been some reports that Real Madrid are eyeing up Raya as a long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois, which may result in Arsenal being forced to do some future planning of their own.

Atletico Madrid have also been linked with Raya amid reports that Saudi Arabian clubs are keeping an eye on their No 1 goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

With an Arsenal return an increased possibility for Martinez, his comments about the club have emerged after his last trip to his his former employers - when Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins each struck to secure a 2-0 win.

After the game, Martinez insisted he still had affection for the club he joined back in 2010 as a 17-year-old. He would spend a decade in north London before pursuing first team football with Villa.

"I think it was 10-11 years I was here," Martinez told Sky Sports. "I’ve still got friends here. I came here as a lad and left a man. I’ll always love this club.

"They are still second, they’ve come far and have one of the best managers in the world. I’ve worked with Mikel [Arteta]. I know how good he is."

Martinez himself looked emotional as he clapped fans during Villa's final home game of the season against Tottenham, appearing he was set for the exit door.

Manager Unai Emery refused to linger on the subject for too long when asked about Martinez's future following the 2-0 win.

"We will see," he said. "Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field."