Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for a fee of £7.5 million. The 33-year-old Argentina international is expected to travel to London to undergo a medical examination as he prepares to join the goalkeeping ranks at Stamford Bridge.
This move marks a significant shift in strategy for Chelsea, who had previously expressed confidence in Robert Sanchez. However, concerns regarding Sanchez’s form have intensified following his performance in Monday’s 3-2 victory over Fulham. During that match, the goalkeeper, who has held the first-choice position since 2023, allowed a shot from Josh King to slip past him at the near post and later spilled another effort, which led to a goal for striker Gonzalo Garcia.
The club also retains Mike Penders, a £17 million acquisition from Genk, as a goalkeeping option. Penders is currently slated to make his debut for the team in a Carabao Cup fixture against Luton Town on Thursday evening. For Aston Villa, the sale of Martinez follows their recent £30 million acquisition of Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma.
Martinez’s transfer comes after a failed attempt by Juventus to sign him earlier this summer, a deal that fell through due to concerns regarding a finger injury. Juventus subsequently opted to sign Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario on a loan agreement instead.
The transaction continues a busy period of business between Chelsea and Aston Villa. The two clubs have maintained a close relationship, previously executing a deal often referred to as a ‘PSR swap’ involving defender Ian Maatsen moving to Villa and Omari Kellyman, now at Strasbourg, heading to Chelsea. Other notable recent dealings include Chelsea’s club-record £117 million signing of forward Morgan Rogers from Villa, while Alejandro Garnacho moved to the Midlands club on an initial loan last month.
Furthermore, striker Nicolas Jackson, who carries a valuation of approximately £65 million, was undergoing a medical at Villa Park on Thursday. Jackson is set to reunite with Unai Emery, his former manager from their time together at Villarreal. The report also notes that allowing striker Gonzalo Garcia to score, he then spilled another effort into a dangerous area in the second half.
