Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has hailed Chelsea FC's summer signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Butt labeled the £7.5 million move from Aston Villa as potentially the 'signing of the century' in comments reported by Sportskeeda this week.
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League table with six points from two wins. They have scored seven goals and conceded five ahead of their next match against Arsenal on September 6. The club's busy summer saw 11 new arrivals for a combined £342 million, balanced by outgoings worth close to £410 million.
Why is Martinez considered such a bargain?
Nicky Butt pointed to the goalkeeper's experience and low price as key factors. Martinez is 34 years old and brings a wealth of top-level experience. He has played in multiple World Cup finals, winning the tournament with Argentina, and kept 67 clean sheets in 229 Premier League appearances.
"The goalkeeper could be the signing of the century," Butt said. "7.5 million quid for someone who's played in multiple World Cup finals, has won the World Cup and has been brilliant for Aston Villa." Former teammate Paul Scholes also expressed surprise at the fee, suggesting Aston Villa could have commanded £20 million. Scholes acknowledged Martinez conceded three on his Chelsea debut but backed him to be a major upgrade. "Over the season, he will save them more points than Robert Sanchez," Scholes added.
How does Martinez fit into Chelsea's reshaped squad?
The veteran goalkeeper was one of several experienced players brought in earlier this summer. Chelsea also added Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson to a squad that saw significant turnover. The club permanently let go of Marc Cucurella, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Andrey Santos, and Trevoh Chalobah. New signings Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix further refreshed the group.
Martinez's arrival coincided with the loan departure of Robert Sanchez to Como on deadline day. That move followed the major sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125 million. You can view the updated squad composition on our squad page.
What is Chelsea's current form and next challenge?
Chelsea's season has started with two high-scoring victories. They defeated Fulham 3-2 on August 24 before a 4-3 win against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 30. This form gives them a positive goal difference of two as they prepare for a significant test.
Their next fixture is an away match against Arsenal, who are second in the table, on September 6. This early-season clash will be a major examination of Chelsea's new-look side. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages.
Can Chelsea challenge for the title this season?
Nicky Butt believes Chelsea will be in the mix but expressed some reservations about their defensive solidity. "I think Chelsea will be there or thereabouts in the title race this season," he stated. "I'm not sure they can win the league with that defence and how many chances they concede, but they will be up there."
The early evidence suggests an attack capable of scoring goals but a defence that remains vulnerable. How Martinez organizes the backline could be decisive in turning those narrow wins into a sustained challenge. Chelsea face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 6.
