Chelsea agree £7.5m deal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Martínez

Chelsea have agreed a £7.5m fee to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, with the Argentina international expected to undergo a medical in London before completing the transfer. He is set to sign a two-year contract with an option for an additional season.

The move comes after concerns over Robert Sánchez’s form. The Chelsea goalkeeper made errors during Monday’s 3-2 win over Fulham, allowing Josh King’s effort to slip through his hands before spilling another shot in the second half. Gonzalo García converted the rebound.

Chelsea had previously been prepared to continue backing Sánchez as their first-choice goalkeeper, but his recent performances have prompted a late change of direction. Martínez will now provide experience and competition in the position.

Martínez becomes available

Villa were open to selling Martínez after signing Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for approximately £30m earlier this month. The Argentina international had effectively fallen down the goalkeeping pecking order at Villa Park.

Martínez joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 and helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup. He also became a key part of Villa’s rise under Unai Emery, but his future became uncertain after Suzuki’s arrival.

Juventus explored a deal for the 33-year-old earlier in the transfer window, but negotiations collapsed over concerns about a finger injury. The Italian club subsequently signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.

More business between Chelsea and Villa

The transfer is the latest in a growing series of deals between Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Chelsea recently signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan.

Villa are also completing a deal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at about £65m and was undergoing a medical at Villa Park. Jackson will reunite with Emery, who previously managed him at Villarreal.

The clubs were also involved in a transaction described as a “PSR swap”, with defender Ian Maatsen joining Villa and Omari Kellyman moving to Chelsea before later transferring to Strasbourg.

Chelsea add experience

Martínez’s arrival gives Chelsea an established international goalkeeper at a relatively modest fee. Although Sánchez is expected to remain part of the squad, the competition for the starting position will now increase significantly.

Chelsea also have young goalkeeper Mike Penders, signed from Genk for £17m, in their squad. He is expected to make his debut in the Carabao Cup against Luton Town.

With the transfer window nearing its conclusion, Chelsea have moved quickly to address a position that had become a growing concern. Martínez’s medical and final contract formalities must now be completed before the move is confirmed.