Former France defender, William Gallas, has voiced his reservations about Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez potentially joining Chelsea.
Despite the Blues being linked with a move for Martinez in recent days, Gallas believes the 31-year-old may not be the right fit for the Stamford Bridge side.
Speaking to Prime Casino, Gallas praised Martinez’s talent but raised concerns over his character and on-field behaviour.
“I don’t know if Emi Martinez would be a good fit for Chelsea,” Gallas stated.
“He’s a good goalkeeper. Obviously, he was a key player for Argentina. He’s done well at Aston Villa since he joined them from Arsenal those years ago, but I have to admit, I have some serious doubts about whether he would be a good fit for Chelsea.”
The former Premier League star elaborated further on what he sees as a mismatch between Martinez’s personality and Chelsea’s expectations.
“I don’t know if he’s got the right profile to be the goalkeeper of Chelsea. When I think about his antics, I just don’t think he would be a positive addition to the club,” he said.
“People talk about his personality, his passion, I’m not sure that is a good fit for the club. I don’t think he would be the right goalkeeper.”
Gallas, who played for Chelsea between 2001 and 2006, emphasized that the club should seek a top-quality goalkeeper with a different demeanor.
“Chelsea need a goalkeeper that is as good as him or maybe better, but with a different profile. Someone that does their job without doing all of the other stuff that Martinez does,” he added.
“I’m sorry but give me the name of one goalkeeper with the same profile. Name another goalkeeper who grabs his crotch and dances around when he makes a save, one goalkeeper who has done that who has played for a big club. You won’t be able to name one.”
Gallas went on to compare Martinez with some of the game’s past shot-stoppers, suggesting that while eccentric goalkeepers exist, Martinez’s behaviour crosses a line.
“Goalkeepers are crazy. Jens Lehmann, he was crazy. Carlo Cudicini, he was crazy. Cech was cool. Lehmann would never behave like Martinez – Martinez brings too much negative attention. You want a goalkeeper to make saves, keep clean sheets and leave the pitch. Martinez doesn’t do that,” he stressed