Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa for a fee of £7.5 million. The 33-year-old is expected to join the Blues on a two-year contract and could quickly become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. The move would bring an end to Martínez’s six-year spell at Villa, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most experienced goalkeepers. Chelsea’s interest accelerated after Martínez’s representatives made the player available, with the London club ultimately deciding that his experience could provide an immediate solution between the posts.

The potential arrival comes after renewed concerns over Robert Sánchez’s consistency. His error during Chelsea’s 3-2 victory over Fulham added to doubts surrounding his position, with successive managers previously making changes because of his inconsistent performances. Mauricio Pochettino turned to Djordje Petrovic in 2024, while Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior have also left Sánchez out at different stages. Although Chelsea have been developing 19-year-old Mike Penders, who recently made his senior debut after a loan spell at Strasbourg, the club appears to believe that an established Premier League goalkeeper offers greater reliability for a team with ambitions of competing for major honours.

Martínez would bring considerable international pedigree to Stamford Bridge, having played a crucial role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and helping the national team reach the final of this summer’s tournament. His experience at the highest level could be particularly valuable for a Chelsea squad containing several young players. Aston Villa, meanwhile, have been prepared to part ways with the goalkeeper as part of efforts to reduce the average age of their squad. Villa had already signed Japan international Zion Suzuki earlier in the transfer window, while a proposed move for Martínez to Juventus collapsed earlier in August.

Martínez’s departure would be another major blow for Villa during a turbulent summer of squad changes. Unai Emery’s side have already lost several important players, including Ezri Konsa to Arsenal, Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, while Ollie Watkins is reportedly heading towards a move to Saudi Arabia and Lucas Digne has joined Paris Saint-Germain. Villa also began the new Premier League season with a heavy 4-0 defeat against Brighton, increasing the pressure ahead of their meeting with Arsenal. The club are reportedly pursuing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as a possible replacement for Watkins, while Johan Manzambi is currently unavailable through injury. Against this backdrop, Martínez’s move represents both an important reinforcement for Chelsea and another significant piece of Villa’s squad rebuilding process.