Paul Scholes has urged Chelsea to replace goalkeeper Robert Sanchez before the summer transfer window closes, calling Sanchez a “problem” for new head coach Xabi Alonso. The Manchester United legend’s advice comes as Chelsea prepare for their first competitive match under Alonso, a west London derby against Fulham on Monday night.
Chelsea have been among the Premier League’s heaviest spenders again this summer, committing over £300 million to more than ten new signings. The Blues made England midfielder Morgan Rogers the most expensive British player of all time in a £117 million deal from Aston Villa, and also invested in Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra.
Scholes identifies Martinez as solution
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes said: “I think the goalkeeper is still a problem for Chelsea. If I was them, I would have a look at the Aston Villa goalkeeper because his move to Juventus has just fallen through. I think he would be a good signing for Chelsea.”
Martinez, a 33-year-old former Arsenal player, was expected to join Juventus, but the Serie A club’s willingness to pay €10 million did not match Aston Villa’s asking price of at least £11 million up front. Martinez has played in two World Cup finals, winning one.
Sanchez has been Chelsea’s first-choice keeper since his £25 million move from Brighton in 2023, but he has made several high-profile errors. Alonso appears content with his current options, despite pundits advising the club to bring in a new No. 1 before the deadline.
Owen predicts strong season despite keeper doubts
Michael Owen, also on the podcast, predicted Chelsea will finish second in the Premier League behind defending champions Arsenal. “This could be way off the mark but they’ve got no Europe at all and you see how important that has been over the years,” Owen said. “It was brilliant for Manchester United last year. This manager did something similar with an unfancied team in Germany, he’s going to change a lot, they’ve bought well.”
Owen praised Chelsea’s attacking options, including Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer. “I’m a huge Joao Pedro fan, I think he’s unbelievable. In fact, Manchester United should have bought him about four years ago when he was at Watford. United had nobody up front for years and I thought, ‘That Joao Pedro’, I love him. Him, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer as a front three… strange signings in Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson obviously.”
Like Scholes, Owen voiced concerns over Sanchez but still expects Chelsea to have a strong season. “There’s a big question mark over the goalkeeper, I hear that. But I just think that could catch fire that team. They’ve got no European football to concentrate on and there’s some good players there. I think Chelsea could have a big season.”
Chelsea’s recent struggles and upcoming fixtures
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season, nine places and 33 points behind Arsenal. Their last league title came in 2017 under Antonio Conte. Under Alonso, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder, the club is widely expected to improve.
Chelsea’s fixtures before the first international break include Fulham away (August 24), Luton Town at home (August 27), Brighton at home (August 30), Arsenal away (September 6), Hull City at home (September 12), and Brentford away (September 18).
