Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly asked the club to rival Manchester United for the signature of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to new reports emerging from Argentina.
The Blues previously made a failed attempt to sign AC Milan’s Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup, but their interest was cut short when the Italian club confirmed that the French shot-stopper would not be sold this summer. Despite backing current No.1 Robert Sanchez, Maresca appears intent on bringing in more competition for the role.
Chelsea’s interest in Martinez has intensified due to uncertainty surrounding his future at Villa. The 32-year-old Argentine has been a key figure since joining from Arsenal for £17 million in 2020 but may be moved on due to the club’s financial pressures.
His emotional reaction following Villa’s last home game of the season only added to the transfer speculation.
Reports suggest that Maresca, along with technical team member Willy Caballero, is keen on securing Martinez. Argentine journalist Christian Martin confirmed to DSports:
“Chelsea wants Emiliano Martínez as their starting GK, and Enzo Maresca has asked. Willy Caballero has also given the go-ahead. The player wants to stay in England, so for now it’s an option for Chelsea.”
Manchester United, however, have long considered Martinez a top target, with previous reports describing a move to Old Trafford as the World Cup winner’s “dream.” It’s said that Martinez is close friends with United defender Lisandro Martinez and has already turned down other offers in hopes of joining the Red Devils.
A source told The Sun:
“Emi is big pals with Argentina team-mate Lisandro Martinez and is keen to move. He has already knocked back a couple of big hitters in the hope of joining United.”
Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery remained cryptic when asked about Martinez’s future prior to their final league match against United. When TNT Sports asked if it would be Martinez’s final game for the club, Emery simply replied, “No way,” before quickly ending the interview.
Martinez himself has chosen to stay quiet about his next move, telling reporters during Argentina duty:
“My future? I don’t know, I come here to play for the national team, and that’s the only thing that matters to me right now. The transfer window just opened, so there’s still a long way to go.”
As both Chelsea and United hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer, Martinez finds himself at the centre of a Premier League tug-of-war that could define the rest of his club career.