Chelsea in contact over move for Villa goalkeeper Martinez
August 26, 2026 15:36
Chelsea have opened contact with representatives of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, the 33-year-old Argentina international, as they explore a possible move. Villa are considered open to selling Martínez after signing Japan goalkeeper Zinho (Zion) Suzuki from Parma for about £30m earlier this month.
The approach follows a string of recent transfers and negotiations between the two clubs: Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m while Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa on an initial loan, and other moves between the clubs have been described as evidence of a close working relationship.
KEY CONTEXT
- Villa’s acquisition of Suzuki has left Martínez available for departure, according to the report.
- Chelsea and Villa have completed multiple high-profile transactions this summer and maintain an active transfer relationship, including a deal widely called a "PSR swap" that saw Ian Maatsen join Villa and Omari Kellyman move to Chelsea (Kellyman is now at Strasbourg).
- Juventus tried to sign Martínez earlier in the window but the move collapsed because of worries about a finger injury; Juventus subsequently signed Guglielmo Vicario on loan from Tottenham.
- Chelsea’s current first-choice goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez, made errors in the opening Premier League game against Fulham that contributed to goals, prompting scrutiny of the position. Manager Xavi Alonso defended Sánchez and said his post-match talks with the goalkeeper were “normal conversations” focused on team issues and adjustments.
- Mike Penders, Chelsea’s number two who returned from a loan spell at Strasbourg over the summer, is available and could be selected.
WHY IT MATTERS
An incoming goalkeeper of Martínez’s experience would directly affect Chelsea’s competition for the starting spot amid questions over Sánchez’s recent performances. The reported contact also underscores the close transfer ties between Chelsea and Villa, which could enable further moves between the clubs, including previously reported links involving Nicolas Jackson (valued around £65m) who is also mentioned as a possible Villa signing.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Chelsea progress from initial contact to a formal bid for Martínez.
- Villa’s decision on Martínez now that Suzuki has been signed.
- Chelsea’s selection between Robert Sánchez and Mike Penders for upcoming matches; Alonso has said the squad and starting lineup will be decided and communicated to players ahead of the next game.
KEY FACTS
- Emiliano Martínez is 33 years old and an Argentina international.
- Aston Villa signed Zion Suzuki from Parma for about £30m earlier this month.
- Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m; Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa on an initial loan.
- Juventus pulled out of a move for Martínez due to concerns over a finger injury and signed Guglielmo Vicario on loan instead.
- Robert Sánchez made mistakes in Chelsea’s opening Premier League match against Fulham; manager Xavi Alonso has defended him and described post-match talks as “normal conversations.”
- Mike Penders returned to Chelsea after a loan at Strasbourg and is in contention for selection.