Chelsea in talks to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

Chelsea are seriously considering a move for Emiliano Martinez, the Aston Villa goalkeeper and 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina. The 32-year-old's representatives have put his name forward to Stamford Bridge in recent days, and the London side are weighing up whether to act before the transfer window closes.

Aston Villa are determined to offload the shot-stopper after signing Japan international Zion Suzuki, who is viewed as their long-term number one. A previous attempt to sell Martinez to Juventus collapsed earlier in August, and he was left out of the squad for the 4-0 opening-weekend defeat to Brighton.

• Emiliano Martinez's representatives have offered the goalkeeper to Chelsea.
• Aston Villa want to sell him after bringing in Zion Suzuki as their future number one.
• A move to Juventus for Martinez fell through earlier in August.
• Robert Sanchez was heavily criticised after a costly error in Chelsea's win at Fulham.
• Enzo Fernandez remains the subject of speculation amid interest from Manchester City.

Why Chelsea are looking for a new number one before deadline day

The goalkeeping debate at Chelsea was reignited on Monday at Craven Cottage. Robert Sanchez allowed a tame shot from Josh King to squeeze through him during the 3-2 victory over Fulham, a glaring mistake that left the Spaniard exposed and raised fresh concerns within the coaching staff.

The club are now deciding whether to replace Sanchez with Martinez before the window closes. There had been hope that 21-year-old Belgian Mike Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, would step up and challenge for the shirt. Penders could even make his first-team debut against Luton in the Carabao Cup on Thursday. Even so, the chance to bring in an established Premier League goalkeeper with major international experience is an obvious upside for a side aiming to challenge for the title.

The criticism of Robert Sanchez pushing Chelsea into action

Speaking on Sky Sports during the Fulham game, Jamie Carragher did not hold back: "Chelsea will never win the league with Sanchez in goal. Impossible. It can't happen." Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville added that Chelsea clearly need a new goalkeeper and that he is surprised they have not sorted the position already: "That's the last piece."

Doubts over Sanchez are nothing new. His inconsistent displays have haunted successive Chelsea managers. Mauricio Pochettino dropped him as first choice in 2024, preferring the relatively untested Serbia international Djordje Petrovic, while Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior also left him out at different points due to poor form. Landing someone like Martinez would bring much-needed authority to a position that has created uncertainty for some time.

Aston Villa's need to sell Martinez this summer

Villa have been open to selling Martinez, who joined from Arsenal for £17 million in 2020, as they look to reduce the average age of the squad. The club also needs to stay in line with financial rules from both UEFA and the Premier League.

Several big exits have already taken place this summer to balance the books. Morgan Rogers left for Chelsea in a £117 million deal, while Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne were also sold. Moving Martinez on would fit that wider strategy of trimming the wage bill and generating funds before the deadline.

Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea midfielder linked with Manchester City

While the goalkeeper situation develops, manager Xabi Alonso expects midfielder Enzo Fernandez to be involved against Luton. The 25-year-old Argentina international, valued at £120 million by Chelsea, continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City.

Asked about the speculation at a press conference, Alonso said: "Yes we expect that he's involved. He's training really well and he is a good professional." On whether he wants the midfielder to stay, Alonso added: "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."

The manager also confirmed that Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra remain out injured, while Cole Palmer has been passed fit.

What Emiliano Martinez would bring to Chelsea

Martinez knows the Premier League inside out and carries the status of a World Cup winner. His personality, command of the box and reliability in big moments make him an attractive option for a Chelsea side looking to take a step forward. At Aston Villa he developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the division and a regular for Argentina.

For Villa, selling him would open the door for Suzuki while helping to fund a summer of widespread change. If completed, the move would solve problems on both sides: Chelsea would gain security in goal, and the Birmingham club would secure extra liquidity after a demanding window.