Chelsea agree £7.5m deal for Aston Villa Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez
Chelsea have agreed a £7.5 million deal to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, with the Argentina international set to undergo a medical before completing his move to Stamford Bridge.
The 33-year-old is expected to provide immediate competition for Robert Sanchez after a difficult start to the season for the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Sanchez came under renewed scrutiny during Chelsea's 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham on Monday, making costly errors that allowed Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia to score.
The first mistake saw King's effort slip through Sanchez's hands at the near post, while the goalkeeper subsequently parried another attempt into a dangerous area before Garcia reacted quickest to reduce Fulham's deficit.
Chelsea had previously indicated their intention to continue backing Sanchez, who has been the club's first-choice goalkeeper since 2023. However, the decision to move for Martinez represents a significant change in their goalkeeping plans with the transfer deadline approaching.
Martinez set for Chelsea medical
Martinez is expected in London for his medical as Chelsea move to strengthen their options between the posts. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper has been available for transfer since Villa signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m earlier this month.
Martinez became a key figure for Argentina during their 2022 World Cup triumph and has established himself as one of the Premier League's most recognisable goalkeepers since moving to Villa.
Chelsea's goalkeeping options also include Mike Penders, who joined from Genk for £17m. The young goalkeeper is expected to make his Chelsea debut against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea and Villa continue busy transfer relationship
Martinez's proposed move is the latest in a growing transfer relationship between Chelsea and Aston Villa. Chelsea recently paid a club-record £117m to sign Morgan Rogers from Villa, with the England international already making his mark following his move to Stamford Bridge.
The clubs have also agreed a deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, while Nicolas Jackson is undergoing a medical at Villa as he prepares to join Unai Emery's side. Jackson's proposed move would see the striker reunite with Emery, who worked with him during his time at Villarreal.
The two clubs have also previously completed the deals involving Ian Maatsen and Omari Kellyman, in transactions that attracted attention amid the Premier League's financial regulations.
Martinez move follows failed Juventus transfer
Martinez was also the subject of interest from Juventus earlier in the transfer window. However, that move collapsed after concerns surrounding a finger injury. Juventus subsequently turned to Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario, signing the Italian goalkeeper on loan.
If completed, Martinez's move to Chelsea would give the Blues a vastly experienced option and add further competition to a position that has become an early talking point under new manager Xabi Alonso.
For Villa, the transfer would represent another major change to their goalkeeping department following the arrival of Suzuki from Parma.
What Martinez could bring to Chelsea
Martinez's arrival would give Chelsea more than simply another goalkeeper. His experience at international level, Premier League familiarity and reputation for performing under pressure could provide a different dynamic within Alonso's squad.
The immediate question, however, will be whether he replaces Sanchez as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper or initially competes for the position.
With Chelsea already conceding six goals across their opening two Premier League matches, the goalkeeping position is likely to remain under close scrutiny as Alonso attempts to rebuild the club.
SportsLigue
