Ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes his former club should make an offer for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez during the January transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Blues and Manchester United are keeping tabs on the former Arsenal player, and Cole thinks the Argentinian international possesses the ability required to be the London club’s number one:

“Martinez for me. I watch him. He didn’t have that many shots to face because they were so good in front of him, but you know what he is good at? Crossing, commanding and how he is connected to his back four. He delivered in the big moments. If I’m Chelsea, I am tabling a bid for him now. I think he was outstanding.”

As Cole points out, Martinez had an excellent World Cup, playing a pivotal role as Argentina secured a famous win over France in the final.

The fact that he is 30 years of age shouldn’t be too much of a problem as keepers tend to peak much later than outfield players.

With Edouard Mendy having reportedly rejected a new six-year contract as well, a replacement for the Senegalese international could be needed. Whether a bid will be made for Martinez as soon as next month, though, we shall have to wait and see.