Chelsea are in talks to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who could become available after Villa signed Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for about £30 million earlier this month [1, 2, 3]. The 33-year-old Martínez is an experienced international, having won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and reached the final of the 2026 tournament [2, 3].
Martínez did not appear in Aston Villa's squad for their 4-0 Premier League loss to Brighton on August 19, suggesting his role has changed since Suzuki's arrival [2, 3]. Earlier in August, a proposed transfer of Martínez to Juventus collapsed over finger injury concerns, leaving his future unsettled [1, 3].
Chelsea have struggled to keep clean sheets this season, failing to do so in 17 consecutive Premier League games—their longest run since August 1991 [2]. Their current goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez, made several errors in Chelsea’s 3-2 opening day win over Fulham on August 24, which has increased pressure on the club’s goalkeeping department [1, 3]. The 21-year-old Mike Penders recently returned from a loan at Strasbourg and is expected to challenge Sánchez for the starting spot [1, 2, 3].
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso acknowledged recent team discussions but did not comment directly on Martínez’s transfer. He said, "No, (we have had) normal conversations. We have talked more about the team thing, about what we did well and what we have to do better. It was more about understanding the context." Alonso added that Martínez remains in Aston Villa’s squad and that final decisions will come as the team is confirmed [1].
Chelsea and Aston Villa have maintained a close relationship recently, with multiple player transfers including Morgan Rogers’ £117 million move from Villa to Chelsea [1, 3].
Further talks between Chelsea and Aston Villa are expected as both clubs assess their goalkeeping needs and squad options ahead of the transfer window deadline.
