Chelsea are expected to make another attempt at signing World Cup winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez this summer.
The Blues were interested in Aston Villa’s number one last summer, but were reportedly dissuaded by a big transfer fee.
Emi Martinez to Chelsea: Blues goalkeeper crisis
Chelsea have struggled for a solid goalkeeper in the last two seasons. Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizzabalaga, Robert Sanchez and now Đorđe Petrović have all tried their hand, but none have truly convinced.
After two seasons of instability between the posts, the Blues are ready to invest in the position and bring calm to a leaky defence. Realistically, they aren't expected to get anyone much better than Martinez, who is regarded as a penalty-saving specialist.
As well as Martinez, Chelsea have also been linked with Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.
Emi Martinez to Chelsea: Would Villa sell?
Martinez is beloved at Villa Park, thanks to his unique brand of antics, big personality and match-winning quality. The 31-year-old’s departure would be seen as a step backward for a club on the threshold of Europe's elite.
But despite Aston Villa’s success this season, their finances are less healthy. Indeed, eyebrows were raised earlier this month, when the Birmingham club voted against the Premier League’s proposed spending cap.
Villa sustained losses of over £119m last year, and there are fears among supporters of the club that they may have to sell players to meet the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
As such, an opportunity emerges for Chelsea to swoop in and make Villa an offer they simply can’t refuse for the former Arsenal man.
