Chelsea Have Set Their Sights On This Aston Villa Keeper: Should Pochettino Snap Him Up? | OneFootball

In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Chelsea have set their sights on Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez this summer. It has been stated that the Blues are eyeing a move to bring the Argentine goalie to Stamford Bridge later this year.

Martinez is having a fine campaign at the West Midlands club after he put in a series of impressive displays for them in the Premier League. The Argentine talent has participated in 45 matches for Aston Villa this season, conceding 58 goals and earning 15 clean sheets in various competitions.

The 31-year-old deserves some credit for averaging 0.5 clearances and 4.9 long balls per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has also been tidy when distributing possession from the back after completing 81.3% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at Villa Park will run out in the summer of 2027 which would make it difficult for the Blues to sign him on a cut-price deal at the end of this campaign.

Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in action during the second Leg match of the Europa Conference League Semi Final between Olympiacos and Aston Villa at Georgios Karaiskakis stadium in Athens, Greece, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Menelaos Myrillas / SOOC / SOOC via AFP)

Should Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino Snap Martinez Up This Summer?

Martinez is a decent handler of the ball and usually clears the danger when at risk of being caught out at the back. He has got quick reflexes that help him make a few world-class saves at the back.

The Argentine international has a wealth of experience at the highest level and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Chelsea if Mauricio Pochettino can find a way to bring him on board later this year.

Martinez would bring more quality to the West London club‘s goalkeeping department. He would be an upgrade over Robert Sanchez who has struggled to be consistent with his performances for Chelsea in the Premier League this season.

At 31, Martinez has still got a few good years left in him to play at his best. Hence, Pochettino should focus on going all out to snap him up when the transfer window reopens this summer. However, Martinez is still under a long-term contract, so the Blues would find it tough to convince the Villans to part ways with their prized asset.