Chelsea agree deal to sign Argentine star
August 28, 2026 01:48
Chelsea have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. EyeFootball reports a £7.5m deal has been agreed with Villa and that Martínez and Chelsea have settled personal terms; the move is expected to be completed in the coming days.
The report links the move to Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso’s decision to replace Robert Sánchez after errors from the Spain international. Martínez is described as likely to assume the starting role at Stamford Bridge.
KEY CONTEXT
- Chelsea opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 away win over Fulham, a match in which Sánchez made a notable mistake; the goalkeeper has been described in the report as prone to errors.
- Martínez has been Villa’s first-choice keeper for six years and is referred to in the report as a World Cup winner.
- Aston Villa have signed Zion Suzuki as their intended number one, which the report says influenced Martínez’s decision to seek a new challenge.
WHY IT MATTERS
If completed, the move would address a pressing goalkeeping concern at Chelsea after Sánchez’s recent mistakes and Alonso’s apparent decision to bring in a new shot-stopper. Martínez’s experience and international pedigree, as noted in the report, would represent an immediate upgrade in personnel for the club’s goalkeeper position.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether the verbal agreement is converted into a completed transfer with official confirmation from the clubs.
- When Martínez will be eligible and selected to start for Chelsea; the report notes it is widely expected he could replace Sánchez and that could occur next month when Chelsea visit Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
KEY FACTS
- Reported verbal agreement between Chelsea and Aston Villa for Emiliano Martínez.
- Reported transfer fee: £7.5m; personal terms said to be agreed.
- Martínez served Villa for six years and is described as a World Cup winner.
- Aston Villa have signed Zion Suzuki as their number one.
- Chelsea began the Premier League season with a 3-2 win at Fulham; Robert Sánchez made an error in that match.