Peter Schmeichel believes Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez will become the Premier League’s signing of the season.
Chelsea looked set to keep Robert Sanchez as their first-choice goalkeeper this season until they signed Martinez in a £7.5 million deal from Aston Villa on nine days ago.
Sanchez then joined Serie A side Como on loan for the remainder of the season.
Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, has extensive experience in the Premier League and Schmeichel feels Chelsea have landed a ‘world class’ bargain.
Exclusive Premier League previews
Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free.
‘I have to say these are all crazy amount of money, and I don’t understand how this is even possible for the clubs to maintain that level of investment,’ Schmeichel told Viaplay.
‘I look at the list and the one name which I don’t see is Emi Martinez who is, for me, could turn out to be the signing of the season.
‘He’s only costing them £7.5 million, top, top, world-class goalkeeper. Top, top, £7.5m.
‘If we’re confused about the transfer market, that I think is underlying of how it is. This has been the maddest window, I think.’
Speaking about Chelsea’s decision to sign Martinez, Xabi Alonso said: ‘Emi is a World Cup winner, is 33 years old, and is very experienced.
‘I spoke with him and we talked about the game and our team. He felt ready, and I don’t have to tell him many things for him to perform.
‘Even today, while a goalkeeper wants to keep a clean sheet, I am happy with his impact. He has been in the building just 48 hours, so now we will have a whole week to prepare for the next one.
‘Day by day, we will feel this presence because he has this charisma, this aura to influence and have a very positive connection with the rest of the team.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.