Emi Martinez Aston Villa 2024-25
William Gallas has questioned whether Emi Martinez would be a good fit for Chelsea, admitting he doesn't like the Argentinian's attitude.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Premier League legend was speaking about his former club with Prime Casino. When asked whether Martinez would be a good signing, the French defender was blunt in his assessment, saying he did not know if the Argentinian would "be a good fit for Chelsea". The Stamford Bridge outfit have been linked with the player over the past week.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gallas referred to some of Martinez's divisive antics on the pitch, questioning whether they are emblematic of a top keeper. While he conceded the Villa stopper has been successful with Argentina, he still reported "serious doubts" about his temperament. The ex-Arsenal defender then also name-checked some of the stoppers he played with, suggesting Martinez did not stack up against them, thanks in part to his bombastic nature.
WHAT GALLAS SAID
When asked if he thought adding Martinez to the Chelsea changing room would be a risk for Enzo Maresca, Gallas said: "I don't know if Emi Martinez would be a good fit for Chelsea."
He added: "He’s a good goalkeeper. Obviously, he was a key player for Argentina. He’s done well at Aston Villa since he joined them from Arsenal those years ago, but I have to admit, I have some serious doubts about whether he would be a good fit for Chelsea.
"I don't know if he’s got the right profile to be the goalkeeper of Chelsea. When I think about his antics, I just don't think he would be a positive addition to the club.
"People talk about his personality, his passion, I’m not sure that is a good fit for the club. I don't think he would be the right goalkeeper.
"Chelsea need a goalkeeper that is as good as him or maybe better, but with a different profile. Someone that does their job without doing all of the other stuff that Martinez does.
"I'm sorry but give me the name of one goalkeeper with the same profile. Name another goalkeeper who grabs his crotch and dances around when he makes a save, one goalkeeper who has done that who has played for a big club. You won’t be able to name one.
"Goalkeepers are crazy. Jens Lehmann, he was crazy. Carlo Cudicini, he was crazy. Cech was cool. Lehmann would never behave like Martinez – Martinez brings too much negative attention. You want a goalkeeper to make saves, keep clean sheets and leave the pitch. Martinez doesn’t do that."
Emi Martinez Copa America trophy celebration
WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINEZ?
Regardless of Martinez's antics, the fact remains he backs those less savoury moments up with high profile, match-winning performances. That will make him a hot commodity if Villa are compelled to move on. Should Chelsea follow Gallas' train of thought, Manchester United fans will be happy to welcome the Argentinian to Old Trafford.
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