By Kevin Campbell

30th Nov, 2022 | 2:01pm

Arsenal expert lifts lid on Emiliano Martinez bust-up after behind-the-scenes reveal

Kevin Campbell has claimed he “can’t see” past friction between Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Unai Emery being a “problem”.

The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 30-year-old’s “grudge” against Emery may stem from his reluctance to play him over Bernd Leno at the Gunners.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (28 November) that Martinez’s long-term future at Aston Villa is under threat amid continued friction with the new boss.

Villa sources told this site on Thursday (24 November) that the Midlands giants are keeping close tabs on Sevilla shot-stopper Yassine Bounou, 31, ahead of a possible “surprise” move.

Martinez has started each of Villa’s 15 Premier League games this season, including the first two of Emery’s tenure.

However, he failed to make a single league appearance under the Spaniard at Arsenal – before going on to help his side win the FA Cup in 2020 after Emery was sacked.

He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “This is football. Of course, these kinds of grudges will carry over.

“But I can’t see it being a problem. He’s the established number one at Aston Villa.

“The issue he had at Arsenal was that he was up against Bernd Leno. He was brought in to be number one, but Martinez did a great job when he came in.

“Martinez put the cat amongst the pigeons, but the number one always tends to win that debate.

“But he moved on, made this spot his own at Aston Villa – I really can’t see there being a problem.”

In other news, pundit tells Aston Villa to sign Diego Carlos replacement as new injury pictures emerge.