Former Chelsea defender William Gallas believes that the Blues should steer clear of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The Argentinian international is reportedly one of the options the club are considering to be their new No.1. However, speaking to Prime Casino, Gallas said that he is not a fan of Martinez’s antics:
“He’s a good goalkeeper. Obviously, he was a key player for Argentina. He’s done well at Aston Villa since he joined them from Arsenal those years ago, but I have to admit, I have some serious doubts about whether he would be a good fit for Chelsea. I don’t know if he’s got the right profile to be the goalkeeper of Chelsea. When I think about his antics, I just don’t think he would be a positive addition to the club.”
“People talk about his personality, his passion, I’m not sure that is a good fit for the club. I don’t think he would be the right goalkeeper. Chelsea need a goalkeeper that is as good as him or maybe better, but with a different profile. Someone that does their job without doing all of the other stuff that Martinez does.”
“I’m sorry but give me the name of one goalkeeper with the same profile. Name another goalkeeper who grabs his crotch and dances around when he makes a save, one goalkeeper who has done that who has played for a big club. You won’t be able to name one. Goalkeepers are crazy. Jens Lehmann, he was crazy. Carlo Cudicini, he was crazy. Cech was cool. Lehmann would never behave like Martinez – Martinez brings too much negative attention. You want a goalkeeper to make saves, keep clean sheets and leave the pitch. Martinez doesn’t do that.”
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Links to Martinez have been played down
It has been reported that the 32-year-old is not among the club’s top goalkeeper targets, even though he is reportedly open to leaving Villa Park this summer.
Manchester United are said to be a more likely destination. Martinez is believed to have offered himself to the Red Devils, but Ruben Amorim’s side are currently not in a position to bring in a new keeper.
Villa will demand around £30m to £40m for Martinez, and United would need to offload Andre Onana first before they make their move.
Who could Chelsea bring in as their new No.1 instead?
There is a chance that the Blues will revive their interest in Mike Maignan. The Frenchman has less than a year left on his contract at AC Milan and the Rossoneri may be forced into selling him for a low price at the end of the transfer window. Whether they would be preprared to offload him for a fee that Maresca’s team would be willing to pay, though, it is up for debate. When they entered negotiations last month, their highest offer was reportedly just €15m (£13m).
Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen could be another option. The German’s starting spot has come under threat from new arrival Joan Garcia so that is also a story to keep a close eye on.
In other news, Chelsea are reportedly “willing” to pay £34m for a Real Madrid striker