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Why ‘win at all costs’ Emi Martinez could be the ideal signing for Chelsea, with the World Cup-winning goalkeeper bringing the ‘character’ Robert Sanchez lacked

Emi Martinez is still settling in at Chelsea, but Robert Huth has explained why the World Cup-winning goalkeeper’s “win at all costs” mentality should eventually prove hugely beneficial for the Blues. The Argentina international was brought to Stamford Bridge as an upgrade on Robert Sanchez, with Huth believing he possesses the sort of “character” his predecessor in goal did not.

Chelsea have spent heavily across multiple windows

In spite of pouring in vast sums and moving comfortably beyond the £1 billion ($1.4bn) mark over several transfer windows, Chelsea had largely held back from strengthening their goalkeeping unit. Sanchez was signed in 2023, and Filip Jorgensen arrived the year after.

Neither of them inspired much confidence between the posts, which resulted in frequent rotation. Expensive errors did little to help the team overall, and it remained difficult to seal the defensive cracks.

Xabi Alonso took on that task in 2026, with the former Liverpool midfielder and Real Madrid manager becoming the latest man to occupy one of the most demanding coaching jobs in west London. His team have already conceded seven goals in their opening three Premier League matches this season.

Martinez was signed from Aston Villa in what looked like a bargain £7.5m ($10m) deal to strengthen a crucial position on the pitch. The 34-year-old is still waiting for his first clean sheet, and has not yet hit top form, but he is expected to come good and justify the fee.

Why Martinez could prove to be a smart addition

When asked about Chelsea signing Martinez and his desire to be the centre of attention, former Blues defender Huth - speaking in association with international betting sites - told GOAL: “That he does, yeah. I think because he's that kind of character, I think he does suit Chelsea because, you know, Chelsea are very flat as a team, in terms of personality. And he's certainly one that gets in people's faces, gets the opposition wound up, not just the players, the supporters as well.

“And first and foremost, he's a very, very good goalkeeper, which is something Chelsea obviously need right now and needed in the past as well. So is he going to be the answer to Chelsea going on to have success? I think he's going to have a big say in it, yes, for sure.

“He's very vocal, which I think is something that the back four need as well. And like I said, he's that kind of character Chelsea need, like win at all costs - dare I say, the typical Argentinian way almost. So yeah, good to have him in the squad for Chelsea. Obviously, he won't be too pleased with conceding, but I think looking forward to the upcoming games he's a good addition.”

Why did Chelsea take so long to replace Sanchez?

When asked whether he was surprised that it took Chelsea so long to bring in a more proven replacement for Sanchez, given the doubts surrounding the Spaniard over recent seasons, Huth added: “Chelsea have been struggling in that goalkeeping department, not just with Sanchez, but with Jorgensen as well. So it's a bit of surprise when you see how much money they throw at other problems that they have in the squad.

“I don't know if they were looking or the goalkeepers just weren't available at the time, or it would have cost too much money. Who knows? From the outside, it's difficult to say. But with the Martinez deal now, it was a perfect scenario, wasn't it, with Villa needing to get rid of him.

“So who knows in the past, but it's been a problem that's been hampering Chelsea in the past for sure. And hopefully you can sort of stop that in the next couple of seasons.”

Chelsea hoping to challenge for the Premier League title

Sanchez and Jorgensen have both been permitted to leave Stamford Bridge on loan for the 2026-27 season. Sanchez has linked up with former Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas at Como, while Jorgensen is in France with Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg.

Belgium Under-21 international Mike Penders, who spent last season in Ligue 1, is currently acting as Martinez’s understudy. Alonso and his staff believe they have now found the No.1 capable of helping build a Premier League title challenge this season, even though Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by defending champions Arsenal in their most recent outing.