Forget Mike Maignan - Chelsea should sign Man Utd-linked Premier League stopper instead - opinion

One of the biggest dilemmas Chelsea have this summer is what to do at the goalkeeper position, as the future of Robert Sanchez remains very uncertain. The Spanish keeper was very mistake-prone last season, and it is understood that the Blues would like an upgrade.

They made a move to sign AC Milan’s Mike Maignan in the first ‘mini’ transfer window before the Club World Cup, but the Serie A club demanded a fee of £25m, which Chelsea rejected due to Maignan having just one year left on his contract.

It hasn’t been reported since that the Blues are going to make another move for Maignan, but it would be a surprise if they weren’t still keen to sign him, due to his ability and reputation as a goalkeeper.

Chelsea should sign Emi Martinez instead

If the Blues are still keen on bringing in a new goalkeeper this summer, instead of going for Maignan, who they clearly don’t want to spend £25m on, they could opt to go after Aston Vila goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is set to leave Villa Park this summer.

Martinez has attracted the attention of Manchester United, who are also looking to upgrade their keeper. It is understood that the Argentina international is willing to move to United, despite the fact that they don’t have European football.

But instead, Chelsea could swoop in and offer the 32-year-old the promise of Champions League football. He is reportedly available for just £20m; less than the Blues would have to pay for Maignan, and he is a very well-proven and experienced keeper in the Premier League.

Last season, Martinez made 53 appearances for Unai Emery’s side, conceding 61 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets. It is in no doubt that Martinez is one of the best in the Premier League, and he would be an ideal replacement for Sanchez, if Chelsea decided to go after him.

Chelsea also keen on Newcastle United target

Maignan isn’t the only keeper who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, as it was reported just over a week ago that the Blues are also interested in Burnley keeper James Trafford.

The English stopper has attracted heavy interest from Newcastle United, who want to sign Trafford in order to compete with Nick Pope for their starting goalkeeper position at St James’ Park.

However, Chelsea are also keen on the 22-year-old, who is much more of a keeper for the future compared with Maignan and Martinez. Last season, Trafford was arguably one of the best keepers in England, conceding just 16 goals in 45 games.

It meant that he finished the season, not only helping Burnley to promotion back to the Premier League, but also with 29 clean sheets in the Championship, which is a record, by a remarkable five clean sheets.

There is reportedly a £30m price tag on Trafford, so he would be more expensive than both Martinez and Maignan, but that is due to his age being so low. Newcastle already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old last summer, but Burnley blocked the move, now Chelsea could swoop in and block any potential Newcastle move again.

In other news, Arsenal and Chelsea target 'agrees' personal terms on '6-year deal' to join heavyweights.