Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez wants to prove his worth to Arsene Wenger when they take on Southampton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
The Argentinian shot-stopper has agreed to a new deal after helping the Gunners reach the EFL Cup quarter-finals this season.
The 24-year-old is delighted to commit his future to the club and wants to become the Gunners’ number one shot-stopper.
‘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 the Arsenal website.
‘This is a big step for me, signing a new deal with 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.’
Martinez hopes to impress Wenger when he makes his third appearance for the Gunners in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
‘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,’ he added.
‘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.’
The match at the Emirates Stadium kicks off at 21:45.