Chelsea in contact over move for Villa goalkeeper Martinez

Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of Argentina international Emiliano Martínez about a possible transfer from Aston Villa, according to club sources. The 33‑year‑old goalkeeper became available after Villa completed the £30 million signing of Japan’s Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this month. Martínez’s potential move would mark another high‑profile deal between the two clubs, which have already exchanged players such as Morgan Rogers – who arrived at Chelsea for a club‑record £117 million – and Alejandro Garnacho, who joined Villa on an initial loan. Villa could also see striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at roughly £65 million, head to Chelsea, reuniting him with former manager Unai Emery, while a recent “PSR swap” saw defender Ian Maatsen head to Villa and Omari Kellyman move to Chelsea.

The interest in Martínez follows a failed Juventus bid that collapsed over concerns about a lingering finger injury, prompting the Italian side to secure Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario on loan instead. Chelsea’s pursuit is driven by unease over current first‑choice goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, whose shaky performances in the opening Premier League win over Fulham – including a near‑post concession to Josh King and a spill that led to Gonzalo Garcia’s goal – have drawn criticism. Manager Xavi Alonso defended Sánchez after the match but emphasized the need for broader team improvements, hinting that the club may look to bolster the goalkeeping department.

Should the Martínez deal materialise, Chelsea could also consider promoting Mike Penders, the former Strasbourg loanee who returned over the summer as the club’s number two. Alonso indicated that Penders is fully integrated into the squad and may feature in upcoming fixtures, such as the Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town, while the final decision on the goalkeeper hierarchy will be made after the next matchday. The potential signing would not only address Chelsea’s immediate defensive concerns but also reinforce the strong transactional relationship between the London and Birmingham clubs, which have repeatedly facilitated player exchanges in recent transfer windows.

⚡ Effects Interpreter