Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is reportedly wanted by Chelsea
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is reportedly wanted by Chelsea

Aston Villa to move heaven and earth over Emiliano Martinez as Villa Park exit talk fires up

Villa News Speaking to Don Goodman

Villa News is delighted to have noted Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman joining its team of Villa experts at the start of 2024. Goodman played for the likes of Bradford, West Brom, Sunderland, Wolves, Motherwell and Walsall in his career and since hanging up his boots, he's been working in the media with Sky Sports. Don will bring you expert insight on all the goings on at Villa.

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Aston Villa must continue to show they are ambitious in order to keep Chelsea-linked goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to Don Goodman.

Sports Lens reported on 9 May that Chelsea are showing an interest in the Argentina international, who has three years to run on his contract.

Martinez played his part in the Villans qualifying for next season's Champions League, but the club may not be able to spend big this summer.

Asked about the recent links with Chelsea, Goodman told Villa News: "I'd imagine they would almost literally move heaven and earth to keep hold of him.

"He has established himself over the past two or three seasons as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, a World Cup winning keeper who you do everything in your power to keep happy.

"You need to reassure him that you're an ambitious club. There are not many clubs in the world he can move to in which it would be a step up for him in his career."

Are Aston Villa at risk of losing Emiliano Martinez?

Having qualified for the Champions League, it is hard to envision any Villa player wanting to leave this summer - especially for a club that only qualified for the Conference League.

Swapping Villa Park for Stamford Bridge would be a backwards step in the short term, and there has been no indication that the World Cup winner has any interest in departing.

Strengthening the squad this summer is hugely important, but financial restrictions may prevent the club from doing so. Indeed, it may well be that a player or two is instead sold.

Villa Park, home of Aston Villa
Aston Villa could see players depart Villa Park in the summer transfer window

If a big-value player does need to be offloaded, it will not be Martinez. Some players are replaceable, even if Unai Emery will not want to get rid, but finding a replacement for Martinez will be incredibly difficult.

Until an offer comes in from Chelsea or indeed any interested club, though, then it is not really a matter Villa chiefs have to concern themselves with.

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