Darren Bent believes Chelsea could move for an Argentinean ace next summer
Darren Bent believes Chelsea could move for an Argentinean ace next summer (Both GETTY)
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has tipped Chelsea to target Lionel Messi's national teammate Emiliano Martinez. The 32-year-old goalkeeper has been outstanding for Aston Villa of late and is one of the finest in the world.
Martinez has been integral to La Albiceleste's recent success, winning two Copa America, the Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Many would argue that he's as important as Lionel Messi in Lionel Scaloni's set-up.
Meanwhile, the Blues are on the rise under new boss Enzo Maresca this season, but Robert Sanchez remains a weak link. The Spanish custodian has been error-prone this season, registering four clean sheets in 16 games across competitions.
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The Blues signed Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal this summer, but he has played mostly in cup games. It appears that Maresca doesn't rate the 22-year-old highly, so the London giants could be tempted to target a new goalkeeper in 2025.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Bent suggested that Emiliano Martinez could leave Villa if they don't qualify for the Champions League.
"I wonder if Aston Villa don’t get back in the Champions League. I know he signed a new contract, but could he go? The fact is he could play for almost any team he wanted to. Chelsea could get him," said Bent.
Reports have linked the Blues with Borussia Dortmund custodian Gregor Kobel.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored against Chelsea?
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has faced Chelsea 10 times, all in the UEFA Champions League while he was playing for Barcelona. The Argentinean has scored three goals and set up three more against the Blues.
Interestingly, La Pulga has just two wins against the London giants, losing twice. Messi's first victory against Chelsea came in the 2005-06 season, in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
Barcelona won the home leg 2-1 before drawing 1-1 away. The Argentinean's first goal against the Blues came in the 2017-18 season when the two sides met again in the Round of 16.
Lionel Messi scored in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg. The Argentinean unleashed a masterclass in the home leg, netting a brace and setting up another in a 3-0 win. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner currently plies his trade with MLS side Inter Miami.