Chelsea weigh move for Emiliano Martínez after offer

Chelsea are considering a move for Emiliano Martínez after being offered the Aston Villa goalkeeper, with discussions under way over what a potential deal could look like.

Martínez, the experienced Argentina international, has told Villa he wants to leave. A switch to Juventus fell through last week, despite Villa having already moved for a replacement by signing Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30m. That has left Martínez available and presented Chelsea with a decision over whether to act.

Chelsea assessing a market opportunity

The chance to sign Martínez has caught Chelsea’s attention as they continue to examine their options in goal. The 33-year-old brings a level of pedigree that is difficult to ignore, having built a reputation as a high-level performer for club and country.

His honours underline that standing. Martínez was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning side in 2022 and also reached the 2026 final. At club level, he won the Europa League with Aston Villa last season and previously lifted the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020.

Chelsea are now in talks with Martínez’s camp over the terms of a possible move, in what could become a deal that addresses issues for both clubs.

Goalkeeper remains a live issue at Stamford Bridge

The goalkeeping position has been a recurring concern for Chelsea in recent seasons. Robert Sánchez has largely held the No 1 role, but his form has come under scrutiny because of costly mistakes.

That debate intensified again in Monday’s win against Fulham, when new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso selected Sánchez and two errors from the goalkeeper led to goals. Although Mike Penders, 21, is being lined up as a future first-choice option, Chelsea must also decide whether immediate experience is required.

Martínez’s profile makes him an obvious candidate in that context. Chelsea have gone 17 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, their longest such run since August 1991, and questions have been raised over whether their current options are strong enough for a side with bigger ambitions.

Villa situation points towards exit

Events at Aston Villa suggest Martínez’s future is moving towards a conclusion. He was left out of the squad for Villa’s heavy opening-weekend defeat at Brighton, with Marco Bizot starting in goal and Suzuki named on the bench.

That selection only added to the sense that Villa are preparing for life after Martínez. Chelsea, meanwhile, must decide whether the opportunity to sign a proven, trophy-winning goalkeeper is one they can afford to pass up.

• Martínez has told Aston Villa he wants to leave.
• Chelsea have been offered the goalkeeper and are considering an offer.
• Talks are taking place with Martínez’s camp over terms.
• Villa signed Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30m.