Chelsea tipped to sign Emi Martinez after Aston Villa contract development
Darren Bent has tipped Chelsea to sign Emi Martinez if Aston Villa don't secure Champions League qualification.
The Argentina international is coming off the back of a week where he made a world-class save against Nottingham Forest and won the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award.
It is safe to say that the 32-year-old is one of the best shot-stoppers in the world and it was a real coup for the Villans to tie him down to a new five-year contract in August.
Despite this, former Villa record signing Bent has told talkSPORT (18 December) that the ex-Arsenal man could leave for Stamford Bridge if Unai Emery's side misses out on European qualification.
He said: "I wonder if they don't get the Champions League, I know he signed a new contract, but could he go?
"He could play for any team he wanted to, Chelsea could get him."
Emi Martinez could leave Aston Villa for Chelsea
It is safe to say that it would be a major blow in B6 to lose the Argentine given how great he has been across his five-year spell.
The keeper had temporary spells with the likes of Reading, Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday before finally getting a chance at the Emirates.
After proving himself by winning an FA Cup, Dean Smith's side swooped in and signed the Argentine after narrowly avoiding relegation.
Ever since, the Villans have been on an upward trajectory which has seen them make it to the Champions League.
This success could ultimately be Villa's downfall as Martinez will likely now want to continue playing in Europe's elite competition for seasons to come.
This could prompt a move to a side like Chelsea who are in desperate need of a goalkeeper and look likely to finish in the top four.
Despite this, there is no doubt how much love the 32-year-old has for the B6 club and has recently signed a bumper contract which makes a move feel unlikely.
In other Aston Villa news, one star will be thrilled with the £33m Jhon Duran news that has emerged.