Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso is pushing for Chelsea to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who has experience playing alongside Enzo Fernandez at international level.
With less than a week before the new Premier League season, Alonso has asked the Blues to bring in a new goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez as a starting option.
Chelsea currently have the Spaniard and Mike Penders as options for next season, with the Belgian tipped for big things in the future.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez described Chelsea target Emi Martinez as a ‘crazy idiot’
Martinez has 228 Premier League appearances under his belt, and could also be a boost in their efforts to keep Enzo Fernandez at the club.
The pair both played key roles in Argentina winning the World Cup in 2022, and clearly built a strong bond, although he is aware of the baggage that comes with him.
Aston Villa FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
He told Ole back in 2022 that Martinez is ‘unbearable’, although certainly better as a teammate than an opponent.
He said: “I saw something, but I didn’t read it properly. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, for me it’s part of football folklore… Now, it’s also true that if you have Dibu as an opponent you feel like killing him because he’s unbearable, ha…
“Both [as a teammate or opponent], he’s unbearable every day. He’s crazy, an idiot. But if you’re against him it’s even worse, haha. For me, what he does is natural, but maybe in Europe or other parts of the world it’s not well-received.”
Todd Boehly and Mark Walter graphic
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez saga continues
Despite Chelsea’s proposed deadline over selling Fernandez, the transfer saga is set to run on towards the start of the season.
Manchester City have now parted ways with Rodri, and their defeat in the Community Shield to Arsenal made it clear their squad is not yet ready for the new campaign.
Enzo Maresca is the driving force behind their interest in the Argentine, following their strong relationship at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will be well aware they need to sign a new midfielder if they do part ways with Fernandez, however they are running out of time in the transfer window to do so.