Enzo Maresca could hijack a Man Utd transfer moveplaceholder image
Enzo Maresca could hijack a Man Utd transfer move | AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United are being linked with a Premier League star but Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign him
Manchester United and Chelsea have taken part in some of the most famous of battles throughout the Premier League era, and this summer they could lock horns off the pitch as they compete for the signature of a World Cup-winning star.
United have been tasked with a major rebuild this summer, with the early arrival of Matheus Cunha easing fears but leaving the club’s summer business far from complete. The matter is slightly less pressing for UEFA Conference League winners Chelsea, but Enzo Maresca will nevertheless feel that improvements are needed if he is to take his young squad to the next level.
World-class experience is something both sides lack. Chelsea famously have the youngest squad in the Premier League, with an average age of 23.5 as reported by GiveMeSport in February. Summer signings such as Liam Delap and Estevao Willian will only have decreased this figure.
The Red Devils have one legitimately world-class player in their ranks in captain Bruno Fernandes, but he will need some of the burden taken off him next season if he is to remain happy at Old Trafford.
United and Chelsea do battle for Argentina star
Emiliano Martinez is believed to be on the way out of Aston Villa this summer and Chelsea have reportedly joined the race for the Argentine shot-stopper, who has been liked with a move to United for some time.
Reports by The Mirror state that Chelsea have been “offered” Martinez in a £45m deal, as the Villains look to ease PSR concerns and see Martinez as a preferred exit to young star Morgan Rogers.
The report states that it is believed in South America that Martinez would prefer a move to Old Trafford over the Blues, but it is not known whether either club are willing to stump up Villa’s asking price for the 32-year-old.
Martinez is one of the world’s best
Martinez is viewed as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, not only by his teammates but by the footballing world as a whole. He is the holder of the world’s best goalkeeper award at FIFA’s Best Awards, having won the award in both 2023 and 2025.
His class comes not only in his shot-stopping ability but in his leadership, in how he rises to the biggest occasions on the pitch, and even in the way he winds up opponents while remaining calm under pressure.
His manager Unai Emery called him the “best in the world” last season, following one of his many match-winning goalkeeping displays, and it is easy to see why Villa are demanding such a high price for the World Cup winner. Martinez was seen in tears following the Villains’ final home game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur and it remains to be seen whether he will get his wish with a big move to Manchester.
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