Chelsea have been advised to submit an official bid for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez despite talk of him heading to Manchester United this summer.
The Blues have a number of shotstoppers on their books, but none have yet convinced. Robert Sanchez was the team’s first choice last term and has been tipped to retain his position despite making a number of errors last season.
Meanwhile, Martinez has excelled since moving to Villa Park. Whilst on Villa’s books he’s become a World Cup winner with Argentina, playing a crucial role in their 2022 triumph, and helped his side become a Champions League side.
Valued at £40million, Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the Argentina international as they see him as an upgrade to Andre Onana.
Emiliano Martinez acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Tottenham Hotspur. (Photo by Cameron Smith – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Former Chelsea player Emmanuel Petit has now urge the club to go after Martinez before United secure a deal for the goalkeeper.
The Frenchman told The Escapist: “Emiliano Martinez would be an inspiration in the Chelsea dressing room. I have criticised his behaviour in the past but he knows what it takes to win titles, he has that experience. He can inspire other players and he has all the qualities needed of a top goalkeeper.
“He would be a very good signing for Chelsea and 32 isn’t old for a goalkeeper. I think he’d link well with Enzo Maresca and the players already at the club. One fear I have is for Aston Villa, I am worried about them with top players leaving the club, I’m not sure where it will leave them next season.”
Villa boss Unai Emery has refused to accept that Martinez is looking to leave the club. The Spaniard claimed there was “no way” his goalkeeper would be heading to pastures new when quizzed on the Premier League’s final day.
Chelsea manager Maresca, who has also been linked with the signing of Mike Maignan, has attempted to cool the talk of adding a goalkeeper as he said: “The keeper situation is simple, Robert is No.1, Filip is No.2, and we will analyse and judge Penders. Maignan and different players at other clubs – I don’t think it is worth talking about them.”
