Bernd Leno is not a ‘top-four goalkeeper' and Mikel Arteta has been warned that he may end up regretting letting Emiliano Martinez leave for Aston Villa, so says Arsenal legend, Tony Adams.
Leno was Arsenal's No 1 for much of the 2019-20 season but picked up an injury towards the end of the campaign and Martinez was finally given his chance in the first team.
But Leno's return to fitness saw him reinstated as Gunners’ No 1 and Martinez was sold to Aston Villa – where he has already kept two clean sheets in his first two games.
He also saved a penalty on his debut against Sheffield United.
And after watching Leno concede three goals against Liverpool on Monday, former Gunners' defender Adams questioned his credentials as a top four ‘keeper while highlighting the impact of Martinez at the end of last season.
‘'Martinez was incredible in their cup run. He was absolutely sensational,'’ Adams told Astro SuperSport.
‘’And I do like big ones and what Leno does struggle with, for me, is crosses and stuff.
‘'But it isn't about me. Arteta's gone, “No, Leno is my number one, I like him”, and he's put all his faith in him. But I don't believe that he's a top four goalkeeper, for me.
‘'Martinez, it was coincidence, everything fell into place for Arsenal in the cup competition last year, it was like it was written in the stars.
‘'This goalkeeper comes in – been at the club for 10 years and not played 10 games – and he stops everything! He was a man possessed, he was absolutely incredible. And for me, he was the No 1.
SEE ALSO | Ighalo Makes His Choice Known On Cristiano Ronaldo Vs Lionel Messi Debate
‘'Now you've made the opportunity, you've got experience, go okay, yep. But Arteta's the man and he's chosen a different goalkeeper.'’
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
