Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign experienced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for a transfer fee of £7.5 million. The 33-year-old Argentina international is expected to travel to the capital shortly to complete a medical examination and finalize his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The decision to target the World Cup finalist comes after mounting concerns regarding the form of current number one Robert Sanchez. During Monday's narrow 3-2 victory against Fulham, Sanchez struggled significantly, allowing a near-post effort from Josh King to squirm through his hands. He later committed another costly error by parrying a shot into a vulnerable zone, which allowed Fulham forward Gonzalo Garcia to capitalize and score.
Club decision-makers had previously maintained a supportive stance toward Sanchez, who has held the starting role in goal since 2023. However, defensive lapses prompted a sudden change in strategy just days before the closure of the transfer window. Alongside the incoming Martinez, the Blues also retain young prospect Mike Penders, a £17 million acquisition from Genk, who is anticipated to feature in an upcoming Carabao Cup fixture against Luton Town.
Aston Villa proved amenable to parting ways with the veteran shot-stopper following their recent acquisition of Japanese international Zion Suzuki from Parma for roughly £30 million earlier in the month. The transaction further deepens an ongoing commercial relationship between the two Premier League sides. Previous business during the current window includes Chelsea securing forward Morgan Rogers for a club-record sum of £117 million, alongside Alejandro Garnacho heading to Villa Park on an initial loan arrangement.
Additionally, striker Nicolas Jackson was undergoing medical assessments at Villa Park as he prepares to link up once more with Unai Emery, his former manager at Villarreal. The two clubs have frequently traded personnel in recent seasons, including a notable PSR-compliant exchange involving Ian Maatsen moving to the Midlands and Omari Kellyman transferring to Stamford Bridge.
Earlier in the summer market, Serie A powerhouse Juventus pursued a deal for the Argentine goalkeeper, though those discussions ultimately fell through due to apprehensions regarding a finger injury. Juventus subsequently pivoted their attention to Tottenham custodian Guglielmo Vicario, securing him on a temporary loan deal instead. Martinez brings a wealth of silverware to west London, having recently lifted the Europa League trophy with Villa in addition to his international accolades with Argentina.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
