Chelsea have entered discussions over a potential move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after the Argentine's representatives offered him to the Premier League club, according to reports. The move comes as Villa look to part ways with the World Cup winner following their signing of Japan international Zion Suzuki, who the Midlands club view as their goalkeeper of the future.
Martinez, who arrived at Villa Park from Arsenal in a £17m transfer in 2020, saw a proposed switch to Juventus collapse earlier this month. He was subsequently omitted from Villa's squad for their opening-day Premier League defeat, a 4-0 loss to Brighton.
Interest from Chelsea has intensified following a shaky display from current number one Robert Sanchez in Monday's 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Sanchez was heavily criticized for allowing a weak effort from Josh King to slip past him, reigniting long-standing questions about his suitability as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper.
The west London club had pinned hopes on 21-year-old Belgian shot-stopper Mike Penders eventually developing into a genuine competitor for the starting spot. Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, is set for his first-team debut in Thursday's Carabao Cup tie against Luton. Nevertheless, the appeal of bringing in a seasoned Premier League and international goalkeeper appears to be swaying Chelsea's hierarchy as they push for silverware this campaign.
Sanchez's inconsistent form has proven a recurring headache for Chelsea's coaching staff. Former manager Mauricio Pochettino demoted him in 2024 in favor of Serbian international Djordje Petrovic, while both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior have benched him at various points due to underwhelming performances.
Pundits have been vocal about the issue. Speaking on Sky Sports during the Fulham match, Jamie Carragher stated bluntly: "Chelsea will never win the league with Sanchez in goal. Impossible. It can't happen." Gary Neville echoed similar sentiments, remarking: "The reality of it is, Chelsea do need a new goalkeeper and it's one thing I'm surprised they haven't dealt with this in the transfer window. That's the last piece."
For Villa's part, offloading Martinez fits into a broader strategy of reducing the squad's average age while satisfying financial regulations imposed by UEFA and the Premier League. The club has already sanctioned several major departures this summer, including Morgan Rogers' £117m switch to Chelsea, along with the sales of Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne.
Elsewhere at Stamford Bridge, manager Xabi Alonso addressed ongoing speculation surrounding midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who has been repeatedly linked with a switch to Manchester City. Chelsea reportedly value the Argentina international at around £120m.
"Yes we expect that he's involved," Alonso said in a press conference regarding Fernandez's participation against Luton. "He's training really well and he is a good professional."
When pressed on whether he wanted Fernandez to remain at the club, Alonso responded: "We want to have the best team possible. We know Enzo and his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait. We'll think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop."
The Spanish coach also provided fitness updates, confirming that Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra remain sidelined through injury, while Cole Palmer has been cleared to feature after recovering from his own fitness issue.
Based on reporting from The Independent (PA).