Chelsea in contact over move for Villa goalkeeper Martinez

Chelsea are exploring a potential transfer for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez following initial discussions with his representatives. The 33-year-old Argentine is available for a move from Villa following the club's recent £30m signing of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma. The move could create another opportunity for a business transaction between Chelsea and Villa, as Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m earlier this season.

Alejandro Garnacho, on the other hand, moved to Villa on an initial loan deal. Striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65m, could also be on his way to Villa and reunite with former manager Unai Emery. The clubs share a close relationship, having been involved in a recent PSR swap that saw Ian Maatsen join Villa and Omari Kellyman move to Chelsea.

Earlier in the transfer window, Juventus tried to sign Martinez, but the deal fell through due to concerns over a finger injury. Instead, the Italian club signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan. The move comes amid Chelsea's concerns over goalkeeper Robert Sanchez's performances. Sanchez, Chelsea's current number one, was beaten by Josh King's angled shot in the opening Premier League match against Fulham and later spilled another effort into a dangerous area.

Manager Xavi Alonso, however, defended Sanchez after the match and was later asked about him before a Carabao Cup match against Luton Town at Stamford Bridge. The Spanish goalkeeper's performance is a concern, but Alonso stated that it was more about understanding the context and making team-related adjustments. Chelsea's number two goalkeeper, Mike Penders, who recently returned from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg, could start instead.

Alonso added that Penders has an opportunity and that the final decision would be made by the team before tomorrow's match.