Chelsea have been urged to sign Emiliano Martinez after the goalkeeper was a standout player for Argentina during their World Cup victory. The Aston Villa keeper saved penalties in two shootouts on the way to lifting the trophy on Sunday night and made a name for himself even more with acts of comedy along the way.
Martinez has become a household name in the Premier League after eventually being given a chance at Arsenal before he left to go to Villa in 2020. At 30 he is an experienced player but failed to make a true breakthrough in the Gunners' goal until an injury to Bernd Leno.
He only made his international debut last year too after another injury opened up space for him in the side and he has played 26 of the 34 matches since, maintining his place as No1 for Lionel Scaloni. It wasn't just the shot-stopping that he has become known for though.
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With 11 league cleansheets for Villa last season and 15 the year before, Martinez has gained plenty of plaudits and fans for his ability and demenour on the pitch. His eccentric actions were on display in Qatar too. As well as throwing the ball away in the shootout, confronting France's players and celebrating saves wildly, Martinez also made a crude gesture with his golden glove trophy after the match too.
Since then he has been seen mocking Kylian Mbappe in the aftermath. This hasn't put off former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole though. Speaking on the All to play for podcast, Cole urged his former side to make a move for the keeper, saying, “You know what he is good at? Crossing, commanding and you know he’s connected to his back four. In the big moments he delivered.
“If I’m Chelsea I am tabling a bid for him now. I think he was outstanding.” Martinez kept three cleansheets in the tournament and came up with a handful of spectacular saves throughout the final, including a vital last minute block to deny Randal Kolo Muani. Such is his popularity in his national side that Lionel Messi was glowing of him last year, saying, "Dibu [Emiliano] Martinez is fundamental.”
“When they come to him, he always responds. He established himself in goal and we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”
Transfers off the back of World Cup performances aren't usually recommended but with Martinez's proven time in England and the goalkeeping uncertainty at Chelsea he could become a name that is visited more often.
Edouard Mendy has reached a stall in negotiating a new contract but has been out of form since playing in the African Cup of Nations earlier this year. He has since been replaced under Graham Potter by Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is better with the ball at his feet.
Kepa has previously wanted to leave though due to becoming the back-up choice and also has much higher wages than Mendy, creating an issue for both, especially as Kepa's form has been erratic throughout his time in London. His upsurge in form under the new manager has created hope of a better future, but the Blues appear to be considering moves for a new No1 regardless.
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