Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has joined Getafe on a season-long loan.
The Argentine, 24, made five appearances for Arsenal last term and is highly-regarded by Arsene Wenger, who has referred to his as a future No.1 and a world-class goalkeeper in recent months.
However David Ospina’s decision to stay and provide cover to Petr Cech meant that Martinez would be limited to the same role as last season, when he was confined to League Cup games other than a two-game Premier League spell when both senior goalkeepers were injured.
Martinez featured in four of Arsenal’s pre-season, saving two spot-kicks in a penalty shoout win over Bayern Munich.
A statement on the Arsenal website said: “Emi heads to Spain to gain further first team experience. We’d like to wish him well for the year ahead.”
Ospina will now provide cover for Cech in the coming months and is likely to remain Arsenal’s goalkeeper in cup competitions and Europe.
The Colombian international said after Saturday’s 5-2 Emirates Cup win over Benfica: “I have a contract here, I’m happy and I’m going to fight to the end, I want to continue and win a job.
“That’s what I’m working for, I’ve been working for three years and now I’m waiting for the opportunity.”
