Chelsea join Man Utd in £45m Emiliano Martinez race as star's preference emerges

Manchester United have been linked to a summer move for Emiliano Martinez and the belief in South America is that he would prefer a switch to Old Trafford ahead of joining Chelsea

Chelsea have been offered the chance to strike a £45million deal for Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez. Villa are resigned to being forced to cash in on the World Cup-winning Argentine in a bid to ease fears over failing the Premier League ’s PSR test and are aware that the Blues are in the market for a new No 1.

Manchester United have been linked to a summer move for the 32-year-old former Arsenal shot-stopper and the belief in South America is that he would prefer a switch to Old Trafford.

But United boss Ruben Amorim has other priorities to address this summer and will be unable to buy a new No 1 unless the Reds find a club willing to pay £35million for Andre Onana.

And that has opened the door for Chelsea to step up their bid after Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen both failed to impress under boss Enzo Maresca.

Martinez has a huge admirer at Stamford Bridge in the shape of assistant manager Willy Caballero. He has been exceptional during his six years at Villa Park and was hailed as the world ’s best goalkeeper after excelling for Argentina as they prevailed in Qatar in 2022.