Enzo Maresca wants Chelsea to rival Manchester United for the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to reports in Argentina.
Chelsea have already made attempts to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, but were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Mike Maignan prior to the Club World Cup.
The French goalkeeper was keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, but AC Milan have since confirmed that their captain will not be leaving the club this summer.
Current first-choice keeper Robert Sanchez retains the support of Maresca despite an inconsistent season between the sticks last year.
But Chelsea could still look to strengthen their keeping options this summer, with the latest reports linking them with Martinez who faces an uncertain future at Aston Villa.
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The Argentine, who signed from Arsenal for £17m back in 2020, was visibly upset as he walked around the ground following the final home game of last season and Villa’s difficult financial situation has led to speculation that Martinez could be sold this summer.
United have been heavily linked with a move for the World Cup winner, but Argentine journalist Christian Martin reports that Chelsea’s hierarchy are also keen on the 32-year-old.
‘Chelsea wants Emiliano Martínez as their starting GK, and Enzo Maresca has asked,’ Martin told DSports.
‘Willy Caballero, who is part of the technical team, has also given the go-ahead.
‘The player wants to stay in England, so for now it’s an option for Chelsea.’
Unai Emery on Emiliano Martinez transfer rumours
Unai Emery was quizzed on Emiliano Martinez’s Aston Villa future ahead of the club’s final Premier League game against Manchester United.
TNT Sports reporter Jules Breach said: ‘Will today potentially be the final time we see Emiliano Martinez play for Aston Villa?’
‘No way,’ Emery replied.
Breach continued: ‘Definitely not? He’s staying at the club?’ before Emery said ‘see you later’ before thanking her for the interview and walking off.
Read more here.
Martinez, however, may still have his heart set on a transfer to United, with reports last week describing it as his ‘dream move’.
‘Emi is big pals with Argentina team-mate Lisandro Martinez and is keen to move,’ a source told The Sun. ‘He has already knocked back a couple of big hitters in the hope of joining United.
‘Amorim is a huge admirer of his. He tried to sign him for Sporting in 2020 but lost out to Villa. He wants to fill the squad with captains and leaders and Emi fits the bill perfectly.’
Martinez remained tight-lipped when asked about his future earlier this month while on international duty with Argentina.
‘My future? I don’t know, I come here to play for the national team, and that’s the only thing that matters to me right now,’ he said.
‘Do I want to move to a new club? The transfer window just opened, so there’s still a long way to go.’
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