Chelsea star branded the ‘signing of the century’ by Man Utd legend

Chelsea pulled off the ‘signing of the century’ during the summer transfer window, according to Manchester United hero Nicky Butt.

The Blues spent well over £300m in the summer, bolstering Xabi Alonso’s squad with more than ten new signings.

Morgan Rogers was Chelsea’s most expensive acquisition, becoming the most expensive British player in history after completing a £117m move from Aston Villa.

But the west Londoners also spent big on the likes of Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Valentin Barco and Pep Chavarria, while signing experienced ex-England stars Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.

Chelsea looked set to put their faith in Robert Sanchez again this season but performed a U-turn after his shaky performance in the Premier League opener against Fulham, quickly signing Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa in a deal worth just £7.5m.

Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, made his debut in Sunday’s win over Brighton and has insisted he wants to win the Premier League title at Stamford Bridge.

Butt believes Chelsea’s deal for Martinez could be the ‘signing of the century’ given the modest fee and says the 33-year-old will help Alonso’s side at least challenge for the title.

‘The goalkeeper [Emiliano Martinez] could be the signing of the century,’ former Manchester United and England midfielder Butt said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

‘7 million quid for someone who’s played in multiple World Cup finals, has won the World Cup and has been brilliant for Aston Villa.

‘I think Chelsea will be there or thereabouts in the title race this season. I’m not sure they can win the league with that defence and how many chances they concede but they will be up there.’

Fellow Manchester United legend Paul Scholes also praised Chelsea’s deal for Martinez, who has forced Sanchez out of Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard attracted interest from clubs in England, Europe and Saudi Arabia before joining ex-Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas’ Como on transfer deadline day.

Scholes said: ‘It’s obviously Chelsea were desperate for a goalkeeper but couldn’t Aston Villa get £20m for Emi Martinez?’

‘Even that would have been cheap but they’ve got a top-class keeper for £7.5m. I know he conceded three goals on his debut but over the season he will save them more points than Robert Sanchez.

‘He’s a confident lad so he will bring confidence to the team. He’s just one of those goalkeepers you look at and think, “I like you”.’

Martinez, meanwhile, revealed he had spoken to Chelsea legends John Terry and Petr Cech before sealing his move to Stamford Bridge.

‘I spoke with John Terry and Petr Cech,’ he said. ‘I know how big this club is and what we want to achieve this season. I came here to help.

‘I had an amazing seven years at Aston Villa. I have come here to challenge and to try and win the Premier League.

‘The guys have treated me really well in the last day or two. I know the talent we have up front. I try to bring that solidity in the back.’

Chelsea face by far their biggest test of the season so far on Sunday when they visit reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.

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