Chelsea agree £7.5m fee for Villa's Martinez

Chelsea have agreed a £7.5m fee to secure the services of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The 33-year-old Argentina international is set to undergo a medical in London to bolster the goalkeeping department at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window slams shut.

This decisive action represents a swift change in stance from the club hierarchy, who had previously backed Robert Sanchez as their undisputed number one since 2023. Confidence in Sanchez was shaken following Monday's 3-2 victory over Fulham, where he allowed Josh King's shot to slip past his near post before spilling another effort that led to Gonzalo Garcia's goal.

Despite previously throwing their weight behind Sanchez, Chelsea officials opted to pursue Martinez in the final days of the window. Alongside Martinez, the Blues also have teenage prospect Mike Penders—a £17m acquisition from Genk—waiting in the wings, with the young keeper slated to make his debut against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Aston Villa have shown a willingness to part ways with Martinez ever since recruiting Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for roughly £30m earlier in the month. This transfer further highlights the active trading relationship between Stamford Bridge and Villa Park, following previous high-profile deals involving players like Morgan Rogers, Alejandro Garnacho, and Ian Maatsen.

Earlier in the window, Juventus attempted to land Martinez, but those talks collapsed due to medical concerns regarding a finger injury, prompting the Italian side to loan Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham instead. Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at approximately £65m, was completing his medical examinations at Villa Park on Thursday to reunite with former Villarreal manager Unai Emery.

Source: BBC Sport