Chelsea agreed on August 27 to sign 33-year-old Argentina international goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million. Martínez will undergo a medical before signing a two-year deal with an option for a third year at Stamford Bridge [1, 2, 3].
The signing aims to strengthen Chelsea’s goalkeeping options following recent concerns over Robert Sánchez’s performances. Sánchez made notable errors in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Fulham on August 24, which prompted the club to reinforce the position [1, 3].
Martínez has fallen out of favor at Aston Villa after they signed Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki for about £30 million earlier in the transfer window. Villa’s acquisition of Suzuki made Martínez surplus to requirements, prompting the transfer [1, 2, 3].
Earlier in August, Martínez was linked with a move to Juventus, but the potential transfer collapsed due to medical concerns over a finger injury [1, 3].
Chelsea also have 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, signed from Genk for £17 million, who is expected to compete for or potentially be loaned from the goalkeeper position [1, 2, 3].
Martínez was key in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory and helped them finish as runners-up at the 2026 tournament, bringing valuable international experience to Chelsea’s squad [3].
Chelsea and Aston Villa share a close transfer relationship, as seen in recent deals involving players like Morgan Rogers, Alejandro Garnacho, Ian Maatsen, and Omari Kellyman [1].
