Why Chelsea are right not to pay Mike Maignan’s asking price – but why Newcastle shouldplaceholder image
Why Chelsea are right not to pay Mike Maignan’s asking price – but why Newcastle should | Getty Images
Chelsea decided against signing Mike Maignan in the first ‘mini’ transfer window.
One of the biggest dilemmas Chelsea have this summer is what to do at the goalkeeper position, as the future of Robert Sanchez remains very uncertain. The Spanish keeper was very mistake-prone last season, and it is understood that the Blues would like an upgrade.
It hasn’t been reported since that the Blues are going to make another move for Maignan, but it would be a surprise if they weren’t still keen to sign him, due to his ability and reputation as a goalkeeper.
Chelsea should sign Emi Martinez instead
If the Blues are still keen on bringing in a new goalkeeper this summer, instead of going for Maignan, who they clearly don’t want to spend £25m on, they could opt to go after Aston Vila goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is set to leave Villa Park this summer.
But instead, Chelsea could swoop in and offer the 32-year-old the promise of Champions League football. He is reportedly available for just £20m; less than the Blues would have to pay for Maignan, and he is a very well-proven and experienced keeper in the Premier League.
Last season, Martinez made 53 appearances for Unai Emery’s side, conceding 61 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets. It is in no doubt that Martinez is one of the best in the Premier League, and he would be an ideal replacement for Sanchez, if Chelsea decided to go after him.
Chelsea also keen on Newcastle United target
The English stopper has attracted heavy interest from Newcastle United, who want to sign Trafford in order to compete with Nick Pope for their starting goalkeeper position at St James’ Park.
However, Chelsea are also keen on the 22-year-old, who is much more of a keeper for the future compared with Maignan and Martinez. Last season, Trafford was arguably one of the best keepers in England, conceding just 16 goals in 45 games.
It meant that he finished the season, not only helping Burnley to promotion back to the Premier League, but also with 29 clean sheets in the Championship, which is a record, by a remarkable five clean sheets.
There is reportedly a £30m price tag on Trafford, so he would be more expensive than both Martinez and Maignan, but that is due to his age being so low. Newcastle already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old last summer, but Burnley blocked the move, now Chelsea could swoop in and block any potential Newcastle move again.
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