Chelsea have made contact with Emiliano Martínez’s representatives as they consider a move for the Aston Villa goalkeeper, according to the BBC.
The 33-year-old Argentina international is believed to be available for transfer after Villa signed Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for about £30m earlier this month.
Chelsea’s interest comes amid concerns over Robert Sánchez following his performance in the opening Premier League match against Fulham. Sánchez was beaten at his near post by Josh King before spilling another effort that allowed Gonzalo Garcia to score. Chelsea eventually won the game 3-2.
Manager Xabi Alonso defended Sánchez after the match but could make changes for Thursday’s Carabao Cup fixture against Luton Town. Chelsea’s second-choice goalkeeper Mike Penders is in contention to start after returning from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg.
Martínez has already attracted interest from Juventus this summer, although that move collapsed because of concerns over a finger injury. Juventus subsequently signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.
A potential move to Stamford Bridge would continue the increasingly close transfer relationship between Chelsea and Villa. Chelsea recently signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa on an initial loan. Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65m, could also move to Villa and reunite with manager Unai Emery.
The clubs were previously involved in the deal that saw Ian Maatsen join Villa and Omari Kellyman move to Chelsea.
For Chelsea, Martínez would provide significant experience and competition in goal, while Penders could continue developing as a long-term option. However, talks are still at an early stage, with no agreement reported.
