Manchester United have been linked with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but are yet to make a formal move, with Chelsea being urged to go after the World Cup winner
Emmanuel Petit has urged Chelsea to go after Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez despite talk of him heading to Manchester United. 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 but he made a number of errors and Enzo Maresca has been tipped to consider adding a new No 1. The majority of Chelsea's business has centred around them adding more firepower, but now the other end of the pitch is being talked up.
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.
Now he's viewed as one of Europe's elite goalkeepers but cut an emotional figure after Villa's final home game of last season, leading to speculation that he was preparing to make his exit. United have been touted as a destination with doubts existing over Andre Onana.
However they are yet to ramp up their efforts to sign Martinez, who is valued at £40million, and Petit believes his former club should make a move for the Villa No 1 as he tipped the Midlands outfit to lose a number of their leading lights.
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.
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."