Xabi Alonso asks Chelsea to sign World Cup winner days before the new Premier League season

A number of individuals laid down a marker in the battle to start the first Premier League game against Fulham. It had looked as if Robert Sanchez had nailed down the starting goalkeeper spot.

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Xabi Alonso asks Chelsea to sign Emi Martinez

However, with just days left until the domestic campaign gets underway, it has emerged that Alonso has asked Chelsea about the possibility of signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

As per Simon Phillips, Alonso has made the request, although it is unclear yet whether the club are willing to act on it.

He said on his Substack: “Xabi Alonso has been encouraging Chelsea to make a move for Emi Martinez. Unclear if Chelsea will make that move or not.”

The possibility of signing Martinez has come up after it has emerged he will not be joining Juventus this summer, a move that was initially expected.

Villa are looking to bring in Zion Suzuki as their new goalkeeper, a player who has been on Chelsea’s radar in previous transfer windows.

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Chelsea have high hopes for youngster Mike Penders

Signing a new goalkeeper would be a huge blow to Mike Penders, who is not currently set for a loan move and instead will compete for the starting spot.

Chelsea have high expectations of Penders in the future, and signing Martinez would be a significant obstacle as he looks to develop into a Premier League goalkeeper.

On the other hand, the 2022 World Cup winner brings plenty of experience to a side who have been desperate to address that this summer, following on from the additions of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.

For a short-term option between the sticks, Martinez would be a smart addition for the Blues, after they have received plenty of criticism for not strengthening that position already.