Chelsea weighing late move for Emiliano Martínez

Chelsea are considering a late move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, with the Argentina international's representatives having offered him to the club, according to multiple reports. The 33-year-old World Cup winner has been made available by Villa following the club's acquisition of Japan international Zion Suzuki, who is seen as the long-term No. 1.

ESPN reported, citing a source confirmed to Mark Ogden on Wednesday, that Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Martínez. Sky Sports similarly reported that Martínez's representatives have offered him to Chelsea, whose current No. 1, Robert Sánchez, came under criticism after his error in Monday's win at Fulham.

The Buenos Aires Times went further, reporting that Martínez will join Chelsea for £7.5 million (US$10.1 million), with the goalkeeper set to sign a two-year contract and an option to extend by a further year. The report also said Martínez is expected to undergo a medical before completing the move. That claim, including the fee and contract length, has not been confirmed by other sources and remains unverified beyond a single outlet.

Why Martínez is available

Martínez's availability stems from Villa's decision to sign Zion Suzuki from Parma for nearly £30m, as reported by Sky Sports, with the club viewing the Japan international as their long-term first choice. A proposed move to Juventus fell through earlier in August, according to ESPN, and Martínez was not in the squad for Villa's 4-0 defeat to Brighton on the Premier League's opening weekend.

Villa have been open to transferring Martínez, who joined from Arsenal for £17 million ($23m) in 2020, as they look to lower the average age of their squad, ESPN reported. The club's need to raise money from transfers this summer—including the sales of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117 million ($159m), as well as Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne—has been well documented as they work to comply with UEFA and Premier League financial rules.

Chelsea's goalkeeping situation

Chelsea's interest in Martínez comes amid renewed scrutiny of Robert Sánchez's performances. In Monday's 3-2 win at Fulham, Sánchez was badly at fault in allowing a tame shot from Josh King to squeeze through him, according to ESPN, which also noted he made two mistakes in that match. Sky Sports highlighted criticism of Sánchez following his error, with pundits Paul Merson and Jamie O'Hara weighing in.

Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, said Martínez "is one of the best goalkeepers in the world" and that Chelsea need a top goalkeeper to return to the highest level. O'Hara, also quoted by Sky Sports, said he does not understand why Chelsea are sticking with Sánchez and noted that no side has won the Premier League with a "bad keeper," though he also suggested Martínez might not be the answer to lead Chelsea to the title.

ESPN reported that Sánchez's performances have been an issue for successive Chelsea managers. Mauricio Pochettino dropped him as No. 1 in 2024, preferring the relatively untested Serbia international Djordje Petrovic, while Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior also left him out for periods in response to poor form.

Chelsea had hoped that 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg and could make his first-team debut against Luton in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, would eventually challenge Sánchez for the No. 1 shirt. However, ESPN noted that signing an established Premier League keeper and an experienced international presents obvious advantages for a club looking to challenge for the title.

Martínez's pedigree

Martínez has established himself as one of the Premier League's leading goalkeepers since joining Villa in 2020, having played 256 times for the club, according to Sky Sports. He was instrumental in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, winning the Golden Glove after making decisive saves in the final against France, the Buenos Aires Times reported.

Beyond the World Cup, Martínez has won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022, and the Europa League with Villa in May of this year, according to Sky Sports, which also noted he has helped Villa into two Champions League campaigns under Unai Emery.

ESPN added that Martínez was a key part of the Argentina team that finished runners-up to Spain at the 2024 tournament this summer.

What happens next

The transfer window closes soon, and Chelsea are reported to be considering whether to act to replace Sánchez with Martínez, a source confirmed to ESPN. The Buenos Aires Times reported that the agreement between Chelsea and Aston Villa ensures Martínez will continue playing in the Premier League, though that claim remains unverified by other outlets.

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said Wednesday that he expects midfielder Enzo Fernández to be involved against Luton despite speculation over his future. ESPN quoted Alonso as saying: "Yes we expect that he's involved. He's training really well and he is a good professional." Alonso also said the club want to have the best team possible, adding, "We know Enzo and his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait."

Alonso confirmed that Moisés Caicedo and Marco Palestra are still out injured, but Cole Palmer has been passed fit, ESPN reported. Fernández, valued at £120 million ($163m) by Chelsea, has been persistently linked with a move to Manchester City, though no deal has been reported.