Arsenal have completed a deal to sign Independiente’s 16-year-old goalkeeper Damián Martínez for a fee of £1.3 million following a trial in May.

The Argentina Under 17 number one is regarded by his country’s coaching staff as one of the most promising young stoppers in recent years, and subsequently the national team’s goalkeeping coach Miguel Angel Santoro joined Damián in North London during his one week stay.

Steve Rowley’s trusted Brazil based scout Sandro Orlandelli is believed to have spotted the agile ‘keeper in action, and the Gunners moved quickly to secure his services even before the trial was completed. A $2 million (£1.3 million) incentive based contract was thrashed out and Arsenal have now decided to ‘give the green light’ and snap him up.

Martínez was in London this weekend to watch the Emirates Cup before putting pen to paper yesterday afternoon. Executive Richard Law was present and its believed that he will now attempt to orchestrate a loan move to UD Salamanca ahead of the new campaign.



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