Chelsea agree £7.5m fee for Villa's Martinez

Chelsea have secured the services of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for a fee of £7.5 million. The 33-year-old Argentine is expected to complete a medical in London, further strengthening their goalkeeping options at Stamford Bridge. The signing comes in response to concerns over the performance of Robert Sanchez, who has been Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper since 2023.

Sanchez made two mistakes during Chelsea's recent 3-2 win over Fulham, allowing goals to Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia. While Sanchez's faults have been acknowledged, Chelsea's decision to pursue Martinez represents a significant shift in the club's stance. Mike Penders, a £17 million signing from Genk, is also on Chelsea's radar and is set to make his debut in the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Luton Town.

This move adds to a series of transactions between the two clubs, with Chelsea previously signing forward Morgan Rogers for a club-record £117 million and Alejandro Garnacho on loan. Nicolas Jackson, valued at approximately £65 million, is also in the process of completing a medical at Villa Park as he prepares to rejoin his former Villarreal manager, Unai Emery.