Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Fans and pundits continue to debate Robert Sanchez’s place as Chelsea’s number one.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper debate has burst wide open again following a chaotic 3-2 victory over Fulham.
Robert Sanchez was right at the heart of the panic, getting beaten far too easily at his near post by Josh King before tamely parrying a shot straight to Gonzalo Garcia to tap in.
The Spaniard’s shaky performance triggered immediate concern on Monday Night Football, where Gary Neville insisted the club must act and sign someone like Emiliano Martinez before the deadline.
But that one doesn’t seem likely, despite his current position at Aston Villa.
David Ornstein rules out Emi Martinez move
Speaking on the Athletic’s YouTube channel, David Ornstein suggested that Chelsea won’t be signing Emi Martinez, as well as sharing why Sanchez is favoured so much.
“It doesn’t seem Chelsea are [looking at Emi Martinez]. I’m not aware of a goalkeeper being on the agenda before this market shuts.
“The goalkeeping coach (Ben Roberts) is a fan of Sanchez. I’m not aware of any goalkeeper being on Chelsea’s agenda before the closure of this transfer window.”
Mike Penders is in the frame and waiting for his chance, but he’s yet to be tested in the Premier League, so the position overall has some question marks over it.
Emi Martinez’s situation at Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez’s situation at Aston Villa has reached a turning point after the Argentina international informed manager Unai Emery of his desire for a new challenge.
Villa prepared for his departure by securing a £30 million deal for Parma’s Zion Suzuki to take over as the primary goalkeeper. And a proposed transfer to Juventus fell through when negotiations collapsed over valuation, leaving Martinez’s immediate exit unresolved.
Any kind of move would likely be a cheap one, so the opportunity could be there for Chelsea.