John Terry believes Chelsea have secured the best signing of the transfer window with the arrival of Emiliano Martinez. The former Chelsea captain worked with the Argentina international during their time together at Aston Villa and feels the experienced ex-Arsenal goalkeeper represents the best deal done by any club this summer.
Terry's verdict on Martinez
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Terry said: 'Emi Martinez coming in the building I think is the signing of the summer. What a world class goalkeeper he is. If I had any choice who I'd go and sign in the world he would be right at the very top for me.'
Terry added: 'We signed him at Aston Villa from Arsenal and he was unbelievable. The confidence he shows, the confidence he shows, the way he trains, the influence he has over the group of players, the mindset is incredible.'
Change of approach at Stamford Bridge
The appointment of Xabi Alonso as Liam Rosenior's replacement has brought a new approach at Stamford Bridge. Having previously based their recruitment on signing the best young talent available in Europe and South America with limited success, Chelsea have shifted policy and added experienced Premier League players in the shape of Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
Alonso sanctioned the signing of Martinez after watching Robert Sanchez make two costly errors in Monday's 3-2 win over Fulham. The new boss had earlier declared himself happy with Chelsea's goalkeeping options but saw enough at Craven Cottage to act.
Terry praises Chelsea's transfer business
Terry believes the clear shift in policy has left Chelsea in a far better place and equipped to challenge for major honours. He said: 'Just in terms of singings in the last couple of years, many of us raised eyebrows with too many young players, not enough experienced players in the building. I think what the ownership and sporting directors have done this summer has to be one of the best windows in the last 10 years of all football clubs.'
He added: 'They've released players at a profit that have unfortunately not worked out that we thought we paid too much for in the first place but made a profit so great business. The experienced players we've brought in the building with the likes of Estevao, Cole Palmer, all these boys at such a young age sometimes need those experienced players around them in the tough moments. When you've got boys who have been around it for so long it's going to serve the whole group so well.'
