Chelsea are considering a late move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after making contact with the Argentina international’s representatives ahead of the transfer deadline.
The 33-year-old has been offered to Chelsea and is available for a potential move after Villa signed Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for almost £30 million earlier this month. Sky Sports News reports that Chelsea are now weighing up whether to pursue the World Cup winner.
Martinez has told Villa he wants a new challenge, while The Guardian reports that Chelsea are already in discussions with his camp over the terms of a possible deal.
Chelsea rethink goalkeeper situation
Chelsea’s interest has emerged after another difficult performance from current first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Sanchez was criticised after making two errors during Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham on Monday, increasing scrutiny of the club’s goalkeeping options.
The Blues have highly rated 21-year-old Mike Penders in their plans as a potential future No 1, but Martinez’s sudden availability has presented the club with an opportunity to add an experienced goalkeeper immediately.
Martinez would bring extensive Premier League and international experience, most notably having helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup before reaching another final with his country in 2026. He has also won the Yashin Trophy twice.
Martinez looking for Villa exit
The goalkeeper’s future at Villa Park has been uncertain throughout the summer.
Unai Emery revealed last week that Martinez had previously communicated his desire to pursue another challenge if the right opportunity became available.
“Martinez transmitted to us the possibility of having another challenge in his career, not just now but even last year,” Emery said.
Villa subsequently strengthened their goalkeeping department by paying almost £30 million for Suzuki, who arrived from Parma.
Martinez was then omitted from Villa’s squad for their 4-0 opening-day defeat at Brighton, with Marco Bizot starting in goal and Suzuki named among the substitutes.
Juventus move collapsed
Martinez had appeared likely to leave Villa for Juventus earlier in the window, but that transfer collapsed.
The Italian club instead signed Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham, forcing Martinez to consider alternative destinations.
Chelsea have now emerged as a serious possibility.
The Guardian reports that the availability of a vastly experienced goalkeeper has intrigued the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, with the club considering whether the opportunity is too attractive to ignore.
No agreement has yet been reached between Chelsea and Villa, and the Blues have not made a confirmed signing announcement. But with Martinez seeking a new challenge and Chelsea now in contact with his representatives, his future could become one of the major stories of the closing days of the transfer window.
