Arsenal back-up goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez claims he’s ‘equal to or better than’ Gunners’ first-choice glovesman Bernd Leno

Arsenal’s second-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has claimed he is ‘equal to or better than’ the Gunners’ no.1, Bernd Leno.

Martinez was promoted to the role of back-up glovesman following Petr Cech’s retirement at the end of last season.

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And the Spaniard does not appear short on confidence.

Leno, who won the no.1 shirt from Cech last term, blundered in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham earlier this month, diverting Erik Lamela’s tame shot into Christian Eriksen’s path for the opening goal.

Martinez watched on from the bench, and reckons he could do a better job than his team-mate.

He told the Arsenal En America podcast: “Last year Petr Cech started as a starter and Bernd Leno played the cups.

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“But this year Leno starts number one and I’m playing those competitions.

“Although everything can change, because they left me at the club knowing that I can be number one. We both play very well with our feet.

“Our coach tells everyone that we are one more player and told us that we are among the best goalkeepers who play with our feet, which is something very important for his game system.

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“He [Leno] has more professional matches than me, but in qualities I am equal to or better than him.”

Martinez also revealed he had offers to permanently leave Arsenal this summer after going on six separate loan spells since joining the north Londoners in 2010.

The 27-year-old has spent time with Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham, Wolves, Getafe and Reading, and was on the lookout for guaranteed first-team football.