Schmeichel names £7.5m Martinez Chelsea's signing of the season ahead of United's big spenders

Peter Schmeichel has declared Emi Martinez the signing of the season, backing the Argentine World Cup winner’s £7.5m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea as the standout piece of summer business — despite Manchester United spending considerably more during the same window.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper has made two early appearances for the Blues, featuring in a 4-3 thriller against Brighton on debut before playing in a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. He is yet to keep a clean sheet, but Schmeichel is already convinced of his value.

“I look at the list and the one name which I don’t see is Emi Martinez who is, for me, could turn out to be the signing of the season,” Schmeichel told Viaplay. “He’s only costing them £7.5 million, top, top, world-class goalkeeper. Top, top, £7.5m. If we’re confused about the transfer market, that I think is underlying of how it is. This has been the maddest window, I think.”

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was equally effusive about his new goalkeeper’s early impact. “Emi is a World Cup winner, is 33 years old, and is very experienced,” Alonso said. “I spoke with him and we talked about the game and our team. He felt ready, and I don’t have to tell him many things for him to perform. He has this charisma, this aura to influence and have a very positive connection with the rest of the team.”

Martinez’s arrival formed part of a broader overhaul of Chelsea’s goalkeeping department. Robert Sanchez departed on loan to Italian side Como, while Filip Jorgensen joined Strasbourg on loan, leaving Mike Penders as Martinez’s backup at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s next fixture sees them face Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup, before a Premier League meeting with newly promoted Hull City.