Former Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit has urged his old club to sign Manchester United transfer target Emiliano Martinez this summer.
The Red Devils saw a loan bid rejected by Aston Villa last month – but the 32-year-old goalkeeper is thought to be available for around £40m.
Robert Sanchez, who currently operates as Chelsea’s No.1 goalkeeper, faced plenty of criticism for a number of his performances last season.
Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, would arguably take Chelsea to the next level – and help them challenge for the top-flight title.
‘Martinez would be a good signing for Chelsea’
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‘Emiliano Martinez would be an inspiration in the Chelsea dressing room,’ Petit told EscapistMagazine.com ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
‘I have criticised his behaviour in the past but he knows what it takes to win titles, he has that experience.
‘He can inspire other players and he has all the qualities needed of a top goalkeeper.
‘He would be a very good signing for Chelsea and 32 isn’t old for a goalkeeper.
‘I think he’d link well with Enzo Maresca and the players already at the club.
‘One fear I have is for Aston Villa, I am worried about them with top players leaving the club, I’m not sure where it will leave them next season.’
Gallas disagrees with Petit over Martinez
It is believed that Martinez rebuffed the chance to move to the lucrative Saudi Pro League earlier this summer.
Martinez has shined in the Premier League since he moved to Villa Park from Arsenal for £20m five years ago, making 212 appearances to date.
The Argentine was named The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in both 2022 and 2024.
But William Gallas believes Chelsea would be wise to avoid a move for Martinez in the summer window, which remains open until September 1.
‘I have some serious doubts about whether he would be a good fit for Chelsea,’ Gallas told Prime Casino.
‘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.’
