Mauricio Pochettino is set to take over as the new Chelsea manager, and he has already identified Emiliano Martinez as a target.
According to a report from Football Insider, incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has now identified Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as a priority target for this summer.
The 30-year-old Argentine international has been exceptional for club and country over the past year, and he could prove to be a top-quality signing for the Blues. Martinez helped his country win the World Cup in December and has also been a reliable presence between the sticks for Aston Villa. It remains to be seen whether the West Midlands club are prepared to sanction his departure this summer.
Aston Villa have had a better season compared to Chelsea, as they are pushing for European qualification next season. On the other hand, Chelsea are set to miss out on European football altogether. However, the Blues remain one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they have the financial resources to tempt the player and his club.
Chelsea have spent around €600 million on new signings since the change of ownership, and they are clearly looking to build a formidable squad. Goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have been underwhelming and Pochettino wants to bring in an upgrade. Both shot-stoppers have been linked with summer departures.
Martínez is undoubtedly a better goalkeeper than Kepa and Mendy. In addition, he has proven himself in the Premier League and international football. His heroics in Qatar helped Argentina win the World Cup, and he has the potential to play for a club pushing for the Premeier League title and the Champions League as well.
Other options like David Raya and Andre Onana are on Chelsea’s radar as well. But it seems that the 30-year-old Aston Villa star is at the top of their priority list. Martinez will want to join a big club at this stage of his career, and a move to Chelsea would be the ideal next step for him.
Chelsea have had a dismal campaign this season, and new manager Mauricio Pochettino will be expected to turn things around instantly. The 51-year-old has extensive Premier League experience managing clubs like Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. It remains to be seen whether he can bring in his preferred targets and galvanise the Chelsea squad next season.
Why would Martinez want to leave a club on the up for a mid-table club with a management having no understanding of football?