Romano reveals TRUTH behind Martinez to Chelsea links

Cameron Smith

• 13 May 2024 09:32 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are hoping to sign a new goalkeeper during the upcoming summer transfer window, although links with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez are not yet concrete.

Martinez, 31, has reportedly emerged as the Blues’ first-choice target as they look to bolster their goalkeeper options despite the arrivals of Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic in 2023.

The latter is now firmly Mauricio Pochettino’s preferred choice in between the sticks, but Chelsea are seemingly keen on purchasing an upgrade on Sanchez.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

The Spaniard joined the Stamford Bridge outfit from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, however he has been ousted by Petrovic and now faces an uncertain future in west London.

Martinez has been heavily linked as one of the club’s priority targets, although Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on claims that a move for the Argentine is in an advanced stage.

READ MORE: Chelsea youngsters Andrey Santos and Kendry Paez shine with match-winning performances

What has Fabrizio Romano said?

Speaking to CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column, Romano admitted: “Chelsea are also attentive to the goalkeepers market, from what I heard, and I’m aware there have been reports about another former Arsenal player as Emi Martinez has been linked with the Blues after his superb form for Aston Villa.

“At the moment, Martinez is fully focused on Villa and loves being at the club. We will see what Chelsea decides to do, but it’s not something concrete at this stage.”

Martinez has been instrumental to Aston Villa’s success under Unai Emery and they are on course to secure Champions League qualification with a fourth place finish in the Premier League.

Chelsea, on the other hand, will miss out on European football entirely if Newcastle United win their remaining two league matches (and maintain their goal difference advantage over the Blues), and Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

However, Europa League qualification is possible if Chelsea leapfrog Newcastle in the Premier League table and Man City win the FA Cup.