Chelsea Weigh Late Move for Emiliano Martínez
Chelsea have been offered Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez as the club weigh up a late move to upgrade their No. 1 before the transfer window closes, a source has told ESPN's Mark Ogden.
Martínez, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, has been made available by Villa after the signing of Japan international Zion Suzuki, who is viewed at Villa Park as their long-term first-choice keeper.
A proposed transfer to Juventus collapsed earlier in August, and Martínez was left out of the squad for Villa's 4-0 defeat to Brighton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper debate reignites
The offer lands at a sensitive moment for Chelsea. Robert Sánchez’s position is under fresh scrutiny after a shaky display in Monday’s 3-2 win over Fulham, when he allowed a tame Josh King effort to slip through him.
That mistake has sharpened internal discussions over whether Chelsea should move now for Martínez, with the club considering a deal before deadline day, a source confirmed.
The original plan had been more patient. Chelsea hoped 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, would grow into serious competition for Sánchez. Penders could make his first-team debut against Luton in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, a potential audition for a bigger role.
But the chance to bring in a proven Premier League performer and an established international has changed the equation for a squad aiming to mount a title challenge this season.
Martínez was a central figure in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar and also helped them reach the final of this summer’s tournament, where they finished runners-up to Spain.
Sánchez under pressure, Villa under strain
Sánchez’s form has been a recurring problem for different Chelsea managers.
Mauricio Pochettino dropped him as first choice in 2024, turning instead to relatively untested Serbia international Djordje Petrovic. Successors Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior also sidelined Sánchez at various points in response to inconsistent performances.
On the other side of the deal, Villa have been open to selling Martínez, who joined from Arsenal for £17 million ($23m) in 2020, as they look to refresh and lower the average age of their squad.
Their financial situation has added urgency. Villa need to generate significant income from sales this summer to stay within UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.
Morgan Rogers has already joined Chelsea for £117 million ($159m), while Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have also departed as part of a wider reshaping of Unai Emery’s group.
Alonso calm over Enzo amid City links
While Chelsea weigh a major decision in goal, Xabi Alonso insists he expects Enzo Fernández to feature against Luton despite ongoing speculation over the midfielder’s future.
Fernández, another Argentina international, has been consistently linked with a move to Manchester City. Chelsea value the 25-year-old at £120 million ($163m).
Speaking on Wednesday, Alonso was clear about his short-term plans.
"Yes we expect that he's involved. He's training really well and he is a good professional," he said at his news conference.
Asked whether he wants Fernández to stay, Alonso replied: "We want to have the best team possible. We know Enzo and his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait. We'll think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop."
Alonso also confirmed that Moisés Caicedo and Marco Palestra remain sidelined through injury, but Cole Palmer has been passed fit.
Chelsea now stand at a familiar crossroads: double down on potential in Sánchez and Penders, or seize the moment and bring in a World Cup-winning goalkeeper who changes the feel of their title bid overnight.
