Transfer: Chelsea begin move to replace Robert Sanchez with Martinez

Chelsea have started discussions to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the closing days of the transfer window.

Martinez is reportedly enthusiastic about the transfer, especially as his long-term position at Villa has become increasingly precarious following recent events.

The Argentine goalkeeper had been negotiating with Juventus, but that agreement fell through, leading the Italian club to sign Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario instead.

Aston Villa has since secured the signing of Zion Suzuki from Parma, who is anticipated to be Unai Emery’s first choice this season.

Martinez was absent from Villa’s line-up for their league opener against Brighton on Sunday, and according to The Athletic, he is now engaged in discussions regarding a transfer to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea started the season with Robert Sanchez as their goalkeeper against Fulham; however, the Spaniard was responsible for both goals conceded in the 3-2 win at Craven Cottage.

Earlier in the transfer window, the Blues were linked with a move for Martinez but seemed content with Sanchez and young Mike Penders as their goalkeeping options for the new season.

Nevertheless, Xabi Alonso’s team now appears to have reconsidered negotiations with Martinez’s representatives, currently underway ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

Martinez began his Premier League journey at Arsenal before joining Villa in 2020 in pursuit of more consistent playing time.

The 33-year-old has made 256 appearances for Villa and received the Golden Glove in 2022 after contributing to Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar.

Should Martinez depart, he would become the latest seasoned Villa player to exit Emery’s squad, following Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne, all of whom left during the summer.

For Chelsea, this would signify the acquisition of yet another experienced Premier League veteran, following the arrivals of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck earlier this summer.