Emmanuel Petit has encouraged Chelsea to pursue Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, despite rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United. The Blues have several goalkeepers in their ranks, but none have truly impressed.
Robert Sanchez was the preferred choice last season, however, his performance was marred by numerous mistakes, leading to suggestions that Enzo Maresca might be considering bringing in a new first-choice keeper. While most of Chelsea’s transfer activity has focused on bolstering their attacking options, there is now talk about strengthening at the other end of the pitch.
Martinez has been outstanding since his move to Villa Park. During his time with Villa, he won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, playing a pivotal role in their victory, and helped transform his club into a Champions League contender.
He is now considered among the top goalkeepers in Europe, but appeared emotional after Villa’s final home game of the previous season, sparking rumours that he might be planning to leave. Manchester United has been suggested as a potential destination, given the uncertainty surrounding Andre Onana.
However, they have not yet intensified their efforts to secure Martinez, who is valued at £40million. Petit, however, believes his former team should make a move for Villa’s number one, predicting that the Midlands club could lose several key players, reports the Mirror.
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.”
Despite speculation, Villa manager Unai Emery has dismissed the idea that Martinez is on the move. On the Premier League’s final day, the Spaniard insisted there was “no way” his keeper would be transferring elsewhere.
Maresca, who has been associated with interest in Mike Maignan, has downplayed the notion of bringing in a new goalkeeper, stating: “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.”
