Emiliano Martínez admits that he considered his future at Arsenal in the summer but the goalkeeper is now relishing the opportunity to stake his claim in the starting XI.

Martínez joined Arsenal as a 17-year-old and made his third consecutive start on Wednesday.

Martínez was worried when Wenger signed the Colombia goalkeeper, David Ospina, from Nice in July to vie for the No1 spot with the established first choice, Wojciech Szczesny. He spoke with the people closest to him as he wondered whether he might have to move elsewhere. Martínez is at the stage where he both wants and needs to play.

“I spoke to my agent and my family [about Ospina’s arrival] and they said: ‘Let’s wait one year to see if you get the opportunity, don’t rush it’,” Martínez said. “I was still young, just turning 22, and I think I did good to stay here. I have got the opportunity that my agent and family told me about so I am really pleased.

“I know that I am young and I need to wait for opportunities. But when the opportunity comes, you need to be confident, and show the manager that you can play as well. I think I am doing it. I am breeding confidence in my defenders and I am really pleased for that.

“Wojciech has got the spot when he is not injured and he is doing a good job. Hopefully, if I get a chance against Stoke, I will keep a clean sheet and we can win the game.”