Chelsea Consider Late Move for Emiliano Martinez After Robert Sanchez Stumbles
Chelsea is reportedly in talks for Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez due to concerns over Robert Sanchez's recent performances. Aston Villa may consider selling Martinez after signing Zion Suzuki, fostering further transfer activity between the clubs. Despite manager Xabi Alonso's public backing, Chelsea appears to be actively assessing its goalkeeping options.
Chelsea are considering a late move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after the Argentina international was offered to the club by his representatives.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has become available after Villa signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for almost £30 million. With Suzuki expected to take over as Villa's first-choice goalkeeper, Martinez's future at the club has become uncertain.
Chelsea's interest has emerged after a difficult opening Premier League game for Robert Sanchez. The Spanish goalkeeper made costly errors in Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham, including being beaten at his near post by Josh King's shot before spilling another effort that eventually led to Gonzalo Garcia's goal.
The performance has increased pressure on Sanchez and prompted Chelsea to consider whether they need a more experienced option before the transfer window closes.
Why Martinez Is Suddenly Available
Martinez has been one of Aston Villa's most important players since joining the club in 2020. He helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and has established himself as one of the most recognised goalkeepers in world football.
His position at Villa changed after the club brought in Suzuki. Reports show that Martinez is open to leaving and has been training separately from Unai Emery's squad as Villa prepare for life with their new goalkeeper.
A move to Chelsea would give Martinez another chance to compete at the top level of the Premier League, while Chelsea would gain a goalkeeper with significant experience in high-pressure matches.
The situation also follows the collapse of a proposed move to Juventus earlier in the transfer window. The Italian club had been interested in Martinez but ultimately turned to Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.
Chelsea Still Have Mike Penders
Chelsea are not without another option.
Young goalkeeper Mike Penders has returned after spending last season on loan at Strasbourg and is regarded as part of the club's long-term plans. New head coach Xabi Alonso has already confirmed that Penders is in the squad and could be given an opportunity.
However, Chelsea's willingness to consider Martinez suggests the club may not want to rely entirely on its younger goalkeeper while the season is still taking shape.
The timing is particularly significant because the transfer window is approaching its deadline. Chelsea therefore have limited time to decide whether Martinez represents a short-term solution to their goalkeeping concerns or whether they are prepared to continue with Sanchez and Penders.
A Familiar Transfer Relationship
A Martinez deal would add another chapter to the increasingly busy transfer relationship between Chelsea and Aston Villa.
The clubs have already been involved in several major deals, while Villa are also closing in on Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. That means the two clubs could complete another significant transaction in the same transfer window.
For now, however, Martinez's move remains under consideration rather than completed.
Chelsea must decide if one poor performance from Sanchez is enough to justify bringing in a World Cup-winning goalkeeper, while Martinez faces a very different decision of his own: whether to leave Villa after six years and begin another chapter of his career at Stamford Bridge.