Enzo Maresca asks Chelsea to HIJACK Man Utd transfer

Cameron Smith

27 Jun 2025 11:30 BST
4 min read

Enzo Maresca is reportedly eager for Chelsea to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer.

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The Argentina international is widely expected to leave Villa Park before the start of the 2025-26 campaign and Manchester United are pushing to finalise a deal amid their pursuit of a new goalkeeper.

Current ETV

Emiliano Martínez

Aston Villa

Emiliano Martínez

Aston Villa

ETV Range

€15M - €18.3M

The Red Devils have identified Martinez as a key summer target and the 32-year-old is reportedly open to the idea of moving to Old Trafford, despite the fact they failed to qualify for Europe last season.

However, Chelsea could be set to hijack Martinez’s move to Man Utd.

That is according to journalist Christian Martin, who told Argentine publication DSports: “Chelsea wants Emiliano Martínez as their starting goalkeeper, and Enzo Maresca has asked.

“Willy Caballero [Chelsea’s assistant coach] has also given the go-ahead. The player wants to stay in England, so it’s an option for Chelsea.”

Chelsea have already hijacked one Man Utd transfer so far this summer, with Liam Delap moving to Stamford Bridge despite heavy rumours of an Old Trafford switch, and they could be set to follow suit with Martinez.

© IMAGO - Emiliano Martinez could leave Aston Villa this summer

Chelsea to sign Emiliano Martinez?

Chelsea were close to completing the signing of Mike Maignan during the pre-Club World Cup transfer window, however they were unwilling to match AC Milan’s asking price of €30m and the deal collapsed, despite the Frenchman’s desire to join the club.

Following their inability to land Maignan, it was widely reported that Chelsea would retain faith with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen next season, with Djordje Petrovic due to be sold and Mike Penders set for a loan move away.

However, the Blues have reportedly now identified Martinez as a key target and they could be set to step up their pursuit over the next few weeks.

The Aston Villa star made 53 appearances across all competitions last season, keeping 16 clean sheets, and he won the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world, in both 2023 and 2024.

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