Chelsea considers late swoop for Emiliano Martinez amid Robert Sanchez concerns
Chelsea are weighing a late move for Emiliano Martinez as Xabi Alonso considers strengthening his goalkeeping options following Robert Sanchez’s shaky start to the season.
Chelsea are considering a late transfer move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as manager Xabi Alonso looks to address concerns surrounding his options between the posts.
The Argentina international has emerged as a potential target after his representatives made contact with Chelsea, with Villa understood to be open to his departure following the arrival of Zion Suzuki from Parma.
Martinez’s future has been uncertain for much of the summer, having previously been linked with Juventus before that move collapsed, but the signing of Suzuki has strengthened the possibility of a change at Villa Park.
Chelsea’s interest has also been fuelled by renewed questions over Robert Sanchez after the Spaniard endured a difficult Premier League opener against Fulham.
Sanchez was beaten at his near post before making another costly mistake that allowed Fulham to score, although Chelsea eventually secured a 3-2 victory.
Alonso has so far avoided publicly questioning Sanchez and has indicated that selection decisions will be based on the needs of the team, while Mike Penders remains another option after returning from a productive loan spell at Strasbourg.
Martinez would bring significant experience to Stamford Bridge, having established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading goalkeepers since joining Villa and becoming Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Villa have already prepared for his possible exit by investing heavily in Suzuki, suggesting the club could be willing to negotiate if Chelsea make a suitable proposal.
The potential deal would also continue the increasingly close transfer relationship between Chelsea and Villa, with Morgan Rogers having moved to Stamford Bridge for a club-record fee and Alejandro Garnacho heading in the opposite direction on loan.
