Chelsea agree deal to sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for £7.5 million, according to the Press Association. The 33-year-old will join the London club on a two-year contract, concluding his six-year tenure at Villa Park. Martinez's representatives initiated discussions with Chelsea last Wednesday, and the deal was swiftly finalized, making him likely the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

Aston Villa had been seeking to offload Martinez earlier in the transfer window, as they aimed to reduce the average age of their squad. The club has been involved in various sales, including Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117 million, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne. Martinez's move comes after a disappointing performance by Robert Sanchez in Chelsea's recent match against Fulham, with pundits like Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville expressing concerns about his ability to secure the Premier League title.