Chelsea have opened talks with Aston Villa over a potential move for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as they consider strengthening their options between the posts. The experienced World Cup winner has emerged as a possible alternative to Robert Sanchez, whose performances have come under scrutiny at the start of the new campaign.
According to reports, discussions between the two Premier League clubs are already under way. No agreement has yet been reached, but Chelsea are understood to be exploring the possibility of completing a deal before the transfer window closes.
Martinez’s future at Villa Park has become increasingly uncertain following the arrival of Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Villa are keen to develop Suzuki into their long-term first-choice goalkeeper, a situation that could make Martinez available for transfer.
The timing has attracted Chelsea’s attention. The London club have been assessing their goalkeeping options after Sanchez struggled during Monday’s 3–2 defeat by Fulham. His performance raised concerns, with several mistakes adding to the debate over whether he should remain the undisputed first choice.
Chelsea had already considered giving more responsibility to 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg. However, Martinez would offer a very different profile: extensive Premier League experience, international pedigree and the authority that comes with having played at the highest level.
Martinez joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 for a reported £17 million. His career changed significantly after the move, and he subsequently established himself as Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper. His performances at international level culminated in Argentina’s World Cup triumph, while he has also played a key role in Villa’s rise as a competitive Premier League side.
For Villa, the potential sale is also connected to their wider squad-building strategy. The club are looking to reduce the average age of their squad while maintaining financial flexibility. Player sales have become particularly important as Villa seek to operate within Premier League and UEFA financial regulations.
The club are also facing significant transfer activity elsewhere. Morgan Rogers is reportedly on course to join Chelsea for around £117 million, while Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have also been linked with moves away. A substantial fee for Martinez would therefore provide Villa with additional room to manage their squad and finances.
Chelsea’s transfer plans extend beyond the goalkeeper position. Head coach Xabi Alonso said on Wednesday that he expected Enzo Fernandez to feature against Luton despite continued speculation over the midfielder’s future.
Fernandez has attracted interest from Manchester City, with Chelsea reportedly valuing the Argentina international at around £120 million, equivalent to approximately $163 million. While Alonso has expressed confidence in Fernandez’s ability and importance to the team, he has not completely dismissed the possibility of the midfielder leaving.
For now, Martinez remains the more immediate focus in Chelsea’s goalkeeping plans. A move would bring an established Premier League figure to Stamford Bridge and could provide Chelsea with a goalkeeper whose experience extends from domestic competition to the biggest stage in international football. With the transfer deadline approaching, negotiations with Villa could determine whether the Argentine begins the next chapter of his career in west London.
