Chelsea are weighing up a surprise move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after his representatives offered the World Cup winner to the Stamford Bridge club as per The Athletic.
Chelsea consider shock move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez
The 33-year-old’s future at Villa Park looks increasingly uncertain. A proposed switch to Juventus collapsed earlier this month despite the two clubs holding talks, and Villa have since moved to sign Zion Suzuki from Parma as their new number one.
Marco Bizot started Sunday’s Premier League opener at Brighton, while Martinez has been training alone for the past week as his representatives search for an exit.
Chelsea’s interest has been sparked by Robert Sanchez’s error-strewn performance in Monday’s 3-2 win at Fulham.
The Spaniard was at fault for both of the home side’s goals, reigniting debate over whether he can be trusted as the club’s long-term number one.
The Blues have huge belief in 21-year-old Mike Penders, who impressed on loan at Strasbourg last season and was on the bench at Craven Cottage.
However, throwing the youngster into Premier League action too quickly carries significant risk.
Martinez could provide the ideal solution. At 33, he would offer vast experience, proven winning pedigree and another big personality to Xabi Alonso’s youthful squad, without blocking Penders’ long-term development pathway. If the price is right, a move could make sense for all parties.
This is the second successive summer Martinez has pushed for a departure. Last year, Manchester United made a loan bid that was rejected late in the window.
The Argentina international played a leading role in Villa’s fourth-placed Premier League finish and Europa League triumph last season, helping secure Champions League football.
He also started all eight matches for Argentina at the World Cup, where they reached the final.
Since joining Villa from Arsenal in September 2020, Martinez has made 256 appearances.
His exit would add to a significant squad overhaul this summer, with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne all having departed.
