After allowing Edouard Mendy to depart the team, Pochettino is rebuilding the team he took over this summer and is looking for a new custodian. Last month, the Senegal international signed a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia, leaving only Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli as Pochettino’s senior goalkeepers.
In recent weeks, Stamford Bridge has been connected to a number of shot stoppers, but according to talkSPORT, Chelsea is planning to sign Martinez. The Argentine international is said to be a “huge admirer” of Pochettino, who would like to bring him to West London. However, a transfer won’t be simple because Martinez recently signed a new long-term contract at Villa Park.
Additionally, Martinez has European football to look forward to next season, thus it is unclear if he would leave Villa for a team that isn’t participating in any European leagues. Martinez would undoubtedly find it enticing to play for a major club like Chelsea, though.
After battling for playing time under Mikel Arteta, he transferred from Arsenal to Unai Emery’s squad in 2020. The South American was frequently utilized in cup matches because he was essential to the North Londoners’ victories in the Community Shield and Emirates FA Cup.
Impressive
Martinez has become one of the top goalkeepers in England after relocating to Villa Park, appearing in 112 games and recording 39 shutouts. The 30-year-old played in 37 games and recorded 13 shutouts across all competitions as Aston Villa finished seventh in the Premier League and earned a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League for the upcoming season.
Transfermarkt values Martinez, who assisted Argentina in winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, at £24 million, although it is unclear how much it would cost Villa to sell him this summer.
TalkSPORT reports that Pochettino is focused on bolstering his midfield department with the departures of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and N’Golo Kanté, so any deal from Chelsea for Martinez may have to wait.
The West Londoners and the 21-year-old midfielder Moises Caicedo have already agreed on personal terms, but the two teams have not yet reached an agreement on a transfer fee.