Chelsea confirm shirt number change for Emiliano Martinez

WHAT HAPPENED
On September 4, 2026 Chelsea confirmed that goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has switched his shirt number to No. 1. The change followed Robert Sánchez’s season-long loan move to Serie A side Como.

Martínez, who was signed from Aston Villa in late August, made his Stamford Bridge debut against Brighton & Hove Albion wearing the No. 26 shirt; the club has since reassigned him the No. 1 ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Arsenal.

KEY CONTEXT
- Martínez joined Chelsea from Aston Villa at the end of August and was immediately selected to play in the match against Brighton.
- Robert Sánchez was left out of that Brighton matchday squad and subsequently moved to Como on loan for the 2026/27 season.
- The number switch was announced in the build-up to Chelsea’s Sunday fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

WHY IT MATTERS
- The timing — an immediate debut followed by a shirt-number change — underlines Martínez’s rapid incorporation into Chelsea’s matchday plans after his transfer.
- Sánchez’s loan departure and absence from the Brighton squad represent a clear short-term change to Chelsea’s goalkeeping roster.
- The adjustment comes ahead of a high-profile tie with Arsenal; the source notes Chelsea have struggled against the Gunners in recent years (see Key Facts).

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Martínez keeps the No. 1 and remains the starting goalkeeper for Chelsea in the coming fixtures, beginning with the trip to Arsenal.
- How Chelsea’s reshuffled goalkeeping options affect results in the short term, particularly against strong opponents such as Arsenal.

KEY FACTS
- Chelsea confirmed Martínez changed to the No. 1 shirt on September 4, 2026.
- Martínez was purchased from Aston Villa in late August and debuted at Stamford Bridge against Brighton wearing No. 26.
- Robert Sánchez was omitted from the Brighton matchday squad and joined Como on a season-long loan for 2026/27.
- Chelsea visit Arsenal on Sunday; over the past five years they have recorded eight defeats and three draws in their last 11 meetings.
- The source states Chelsea have created nine big chances so far this season, more than any other side.