David Seaman explains why Chelsea needed Emiliano Martinez over Sanchez

Former Arsenal and England goalkeeper David Seaman has backed Chelsea’s decision to replace Robert Sanchez with Emiliano Martinez, describing the Argentine as the goalkeeper the club needed. Speaking on the Rip and Reveal Podcast, as reported by The Chelsea Chronicle, Seaman praised Martinez’s qualities while questioning Sanchez’s consistency.

“He’s a proper goalie and he’s what Chelsea needed,” Seaman said, comparing Sanchez’s athleticism to former England goalkeeper David James but highlighting his tendency to make mistakes. Martinez joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for £7.5 million after a successful 2025/26 campaign, although he is yet to keep a clean sheet for the Blues. Seaman believes greater consistency could make the signing a success.