Chelsea interested in signing Aston Villa star

WHAT HAPPENED
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez ahead of next week’s transfer deadline, according to reporting cited by EyeFootball that attributes the story to The Telegraph. The interest comes after Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League win over Fulham, a match that prompted scrutiny of current number one Robert Sánchez’s displays.

The Telegraph-reported claim says Villa have made Martínez available to the Blues after bringing in Zion Suzuki from Parma to be their new first-choice keeper. Martínez is reportedly receptive to a return to London and Chelsea are said to welcome the possibility.

KEY CONTEXT
- Chelsea began the season with a 3-2 away victory at Fulham but Sánchez’s performances have drawn criticism, with the article noting he has been prone to errors since joining the club.
- Aston Villa’s acquisition of Zion Suzuki from Parma is presented as the reason Villa could consider selling Martínez.
- The transfer window remains open until September 1, 2026, creating a narrow timeframe for any potential deal.

WHY IT MATTERS
A move for Martínez would represent Chelsea pursuing an experienced goalkeeper option after early-season concerns over Sánchez. For Villa, offering Martínez would follow a recruitment decision to elevate Suzuki as their primary goalkeeper. Financially, any transfer would need to satisfy Villa’s valuation, and the situation could reshape goalkeeper roles at both clubs before the window shuts.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Chelsea make a formal bid for Martínez in the days remaining before the September 1 deadline.
- Villa’s stance on valuation and whether they insist on the reported minimum fee.
- Any developments concerning Sánchez’s position at Chelsea if the club pursues an incoming keeper.

KEY FACTS
- Reported interest in Emiliano Martínez by Chelsea is sourced to The Telegraph and relayed by EyeFootball.
- Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 at the start of the Premier League campaign; Sánchez’s performance in goal has been questioned.
- Aston Villa have signed Zion Suzuki from Parma, reportedly to be their first-choice goalkeeper.
- Martínez is reported to be open to a return to London; Villa could demand at least £10 million for the 33-year-old, according to the report.
- The summer transfer window closes on September 1, 2026.