Micah Richards predicts where Chelsea will finish if they sign Emi Martinez
There is enormous optimism around Chelsea. Xabi Alonso is in place, Cole Palmer has won two man-of-the-match awards from his first two games, and a lack of Europe gives them the perfect platform.
But if the win against Fulham taught Chelsea fans and Alonso anything, it’s that Chelsea are one good goalkeeper away from having a side capable of fighting for the title. Now, it looks as if they will have it.
A GOALKEEPER SIGNS! What are your first thoughts on Chelsea signing Emi Martinez? 🥳
Only £7.5m!
Robert Sanchez’s two mistakes against the Cottagers clearly convinced Alonso that if Chelsea are to fight for the title, or at least finish in the top four, then they would need a new goalkeeper this summer.
It appears Chelsea have struck a £7.5m deal to sign Emi Martinez. The Blues have taken advantage of the World Cup winner’s difficult situation at Villa, and have agreed a bargain move to land the goalkeeper.
Where will Chelsea finish with Martinez? Richards’ prediction:
The signing of Martinez sees Chelsea bring in one of the world’s best goalkeepers, fixing their last true weakness. At the start of the summer, most fans wanted to see Chelsea sign a new shot-stopper.
But it seemed Alonso was willing to stick with Sanchez until Martinez became available. Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Micah Richards predicted where Chelsea would finish. Without Martinez, he said third.
“They might do something in January, but right now, there’s something missing, and it might even just be the goalkeeper. I think Sanchez is a good goalkeeper, but he makes too many mistakes at this level.
“If they get Martinez, then it changes a lot of things. But right now, as of today, I have them around third,” Richards claimed, suggesting Chelsea would finish higher than third if they managed to sign Martinez.
What else could Chelsea do before the transfer deadline?
Martinez’s arrival is not the only signing Chelsea are expected to complete in the next day or two. There is a £34m deal in place for Italy international Honest Ahanor, and the Blues could end up keeping him.
Who gets your MOTM vote in Chelsea’s win over Luton?🤔
However, he may be sent on loan. That would take Chelsea to a whopping 13 summer signings and over £400m spent. Another could arrive, if Chelsea do end up cashing in on Enzo Fernandez before Tuesday.
Should Fernandez leave, Chelsea fans will demand a replacement is brought in. That is despite the display of Valentin Barco on Tuesday night, who was excellent against Luton. Plenty more work to do for Chelsea.
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