Wednesday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: Emiliano Martinez, Bernd Leno, Rob Holding

The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Arsenal eye possible reinforcements.

The Gunners spent more than many expected last summer - most notably their club-record purchase of Nicolas Pepe - but were more reserved in January as they focused on bolstering their defensive options.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Wednesday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Emiliano Martinez confirms Arsenal exit

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Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has announced that he will be leaving the Gunners after a 10-year spell in North London.

The 28-year-old has been sent out on loan six times during his stint in the capital but became an integral part of the FA Cup-winning team last season following Bernd Leno's injury, starting in the 2-1 win over Chelsea in the final.

Martinez also helped the Gunners lift the Community Shield in what will turn out to be his last game for the club, with the Argentine confirming on social media that he is set to depart.

"For me, I could not be happier to leave through the front door with the Arsenal fanbase supporting me and the club supporting me," Martinez said in an Instagram video.

"I had 11 years at the club, and even if it was a hard road for me, and I suffered through my time at Arsenal, today I am happy and I tried to show young goalies how work pays off. When you work hard, you are not going to be happy the whole time, you are going to have frustration, bad times in life.

"They all understood at Arsenal and they support me for my decision. The Arsenal fanbase were always there for me, I felt their love.

"Even when Bernd got injured this season, I received loads of messages like 'we trust in you,' 'you are our goalie'. That made me confident, made me win games and made me the keeper I am today.

"They understood my story and they love the way I worked in the club. I am so glad to be part of the Arsenal family for 11 years."

Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal for the shot-stopper, who made a total of 38 appearances for Arsenal, with 23 of those coming in the 2019-20 campaign.

Mikel Arteta's side have reportedly identified Dijon goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson as Martinez's replacement.

West Ham United prepared to pay £5m loan fee for Arsenal's Rob Holding?

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West Ham United are reportedly prepared to pay Arsenal £5m to take centre-back Rob Holding on loan for the 2020-21 season.

Hammers boss David Moyes has confirmed that he is in the market for a new central defender this summer, with the need for reinforcements highlighted in their opening-day Premier League loss at home to Newcastle United.

Burnley's James Tarkowski is understood to be at the top of their wish list, but the Clarets have rejected two bids so far and their £50m asking price has forced West Ham to consider other options.

The Daily Mail reports that they are now ready to turn their attentions to Holding, whom they hope to be able to sign on loan from their London rivals.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta recently insisted that Holding would be staying at the Emirates Stadium this season, with the 24-year-old starting in their 3-0 win over Fulham on the opening weekend.

However, the report claims that they could be persuaded into letting him leave given the number of other centre-back options available to Arteta, including Gabriel Magalhaes, David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Calum Chambers.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Sead Kolasinac 'determined to fight for Arsenal spot'
Arsenal full-back Sead Kolasinac reportedly holds positive talks with manager Mikel Arteta and is now determined to stay and fight for his place at the club. Read more.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs new three-year Arsenal contract
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs a new three-year contract at the club, ending speculation over his future. Read more.