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 scheduled to undergo a medical examination in London, a move intended to provide significant competition within the Stamford Bridge goalkeeping ranks.
The decision to pursue Martinez comes amid growing scrutiny regarding the form of Robert Sanchez. Since becoming the club’s primary goalkeeper in 2023, Sanchez has faced criticism, particularly following Monday’s 3-2 victory over Fulham. During that match, Sanchez failed to stop a shot from Josh King at his near post and later spilled another effort, which allowed Gonzalo Garcia to score. Despite previous intentions to support Sanchez, Chelsea leadership shifted their strategy just days before the transfer window closes.
Aston Villa had been prepared to part ways with Martinez since securing Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for approximately £30 million earlier this month. Martinez, who achieved success by winning the Europa League with Villa and reaching the World Cup final with Argentina last season, had previously been a target for Juventus. However, that potential move fell through earlier this summer due to concerns surrounding a finger injury, leading the Italian side to sign Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario on loan instead.
Beyond the new arrival, Chelsea retain Mike Penders as an option. The 19-year-old, signed from Genk for £17 million, is expected to make his debut in Thursday night’s Carabao Cup fixture against Luton Town.
This transfer marks the latest transaction in a series of high-profile deals between Chelsea and Aston Villa, who maintain a close working relationship. Recently, Chelsea acquired forward Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa Park on an initial loan last month. Furthermore, striker Nicolas Jackson, with a valuation of roughly £65 million, was undergoing a medical at Villa Park on Thursday to facilitate a reunion with former Villarreal manager Unai Emery.
The two clubs have also engaged in complex financial maneuvers, including a transaction widely characterized as a ‘PSR swap.’ That deal involved defender Ian Maatsen moving to Villa, while Omari Kellyman, who has since transferred to Strasbourg, moved to Chelsea. The report also notes that the move represents a remarkable turnaround in opinion at Stamford Bridge.
