Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Paul Scholes has been discussing Chelsea’s chances of finishing in the top four this season.
In the previous campaign, Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League table. However, Scholes is confident that they can make a return to the Champions League spots.
In fact, the Manchester United legend has even backed the Blues to finish second if they sign one player from one of their Premier League rivals.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea
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Paul Scholes urges Chelsea to sign Emiliano Martinez
Scholes still thinks Manchester City are the favourites to finish second behind Arsenal. But if Chelsea can sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, he believes they will also be in contention to be runners-up.
Predicting how the new season will go on The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes said: “I think I’d probably still go City second.”
The former midfielder later went on to add: “I think they [Chelsea] could possibly. If I were them, I’d have a look at the Aston Villa goalkeeper. I know Juventus have just pulled out of the deal for him. I think he’d be a good signing for Chelsea.”
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa warms up
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Martinez has actually been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. It has been claimed that Xabi Alonso has asked for Martinez to be signed.
Robert Sanchez is Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, but the 28-year-old was not entirely convincing last term.
Emiliano Martinez can help Chelsea to finish second
Compared to Sanchez, Martinez is a much more reliable goalkeeper. He does not make as many mistakes as his Chelsea counterpart and is just an all-round brilliant No.1.
All in all, Martinez would be an upgrade on Sanchez. And with the squad that Alonso already has, if Chelsea do add the Argentine to their ranks, they may very well have enough to finish in second place this season.
Chelsea have made some very good signings this summer and will not have to worry about European football in the new campaign.
City, who many are backing to challenge Arsenal for the title, were shocking in their 3-0 Community Shield final defeat to the Gunners last Sunday. Chelsea should be aiming to finish above them and former manager Enzo Maresca, which may be possible with a consistent goalkeeper.