Chelsea are adding Emi Martinez to their list of goalkeeper targets as they hunt for a new No.1 for next season.
Chelsea Goalkeeper Transfer News
SportsLens reported last week how the Blues remain interested in Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale at a time when their job between the sticks is coming up for grabs, while Everton’s Jordan Pickford is also in sight.
It is also now emerging via sources that Aston Villa stopper Emi Martinez is a target for the summer window.
The Blues have had an eye on him over the past 18 months as a potential signing but have never been able to make progress – yet now there is a feeling Chelsea might attempt a more serious approach at trying to sign him.
He does not fit with the ideal of signing a homegrown goalkeeper but Martinez’s status as one of the league’s best in his position would bring a level of experience they are crying out for.
The World Cup winner, 31, has three years remaining on his Villa contract but Chelsea could attempt to turn his head as they seek a more reliable option in goal.
Djordje Petrovic has impressed since stepping in this season for Robert Sanchez – who has not lived up to expectations – but there is still a feeling the club will be in the market to sign an upgrade on both.
Ramsdale remains on the list but there is also a complication in terms of signing him. Newcastle are very interested and could look to make him one of their priority signings in the next window.
Similarly, Everton do not want to sell Pickford and we revealed on Wednesday how the Toffees would look to offload Amadou Onana to boost their chances of being able to keep the England keeper.
Villa will most likely be stubborn over the prospect of selling Martinez, but Chelsea are believed to fancy the idea of targeting him while Petrovic and Gabriel Slonina are still developing into top goalkeepers for the future.
Chelsea have previously held a rule against signing players over-25 but that is being scrapped for the next window; the club are in need of experience and leaders to guide their talented young squad.
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