Maresca begs Chelsea to rival Manchester United for Lionel Messi teammate

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly urging the club to pursue a deal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The 32-year-old World Cup winner is also a target for Manchester United, but Maresca sees him as a potential first-choice goalkeeper. Martin reported on DSports,

“Chelsea wants Emiliano Martínez as their starting GK, and Enzo Maresca has asked. Willy Caballero, who is part of the technical team, has also given the go-ahead.

"The player wants to stay in England, so for now it’s an option for Chelsea.”

Despite backing current keeper Robert Sanchez, Maresca’s interest in Martinez comes after an unsuccessful bid for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, with Villa’s financial situation potentially making a transfer feasible.

The Blues are currently competing at the Club World Cup, where they are set to face Benfica in the round of 16.