Chelsea have agreed a £7.5 million deal to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, with the Argentina international set to undergo a medical in London.
The 33-year-old is expected to strengthen Chelsea’s goalkeeping options as the club reassesses its situation between the posts ahead of the transfer deadline.
The move follows growing concerns over the performances of Robert Sanchez, who has been Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper since 2023.
Sanchez came under further scrutiny during Monday’s 3-2 victory over Fulham after allowing Josh King’s effort to slip through his grasp at the near post.
He then spilled another shot in the second half, with Gonzalo Garcia capitalising to score.
Chelsea had previously indicated their intention to continue backing Sanchez, but the decision to move for Martinez represents a significant change in their plans.
Martinez set for Chelsea medical
Martinez is expected to complete his medical in London before finalising the move to Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina international brings considerable Premier League and international experience to Chelsea, having established himself as one of the leading goalkeepers in English football during his time at Aston Villa.
Villa had already been prepared to part ways with Martinez after signing Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m earlier this month.
His departure will therefore allow Villa to continue reshaping their goalkeeping department while giving Martinez the opportunity to compete for a starting position at Chelsea.
Another Chelsea-Villa deal
The Martinez transfer is the latest in a series of transactions between Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Chelsea previously signed forward Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal last month.
There is also another deal involving the two clubs nearing completion.
Striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65m, was undergoing a medical at Villa Park on Thursday as he prepares to reunite with his former Villarreal manager Unai Emery.
For Chelsea, the signing of Martinez represents a major change in their goalkeeping plans just days before the transfer deadline, with the Argentine expected to provide immediate competition for Sanchez once the deal is completed.
