EPL: Chelsea contact Martínez over possible move from Aston Villa

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Chelsea have made contact with Emiliano Martínez’s representatives as they consider a move for the Aston Villa goalkeeper.

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According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the 33-year-old Argentina international could be available for transfer after Villa signed Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m earlier this month.

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Chelsea’s interest comes amid concerns over Robert Sánchez’s performances.

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The Spanish goalkeeper made a number of mistakes in Chelsea’s opening Premier League victory over Fulham, although the Blues eventually secured a 3-2 win at Craven Cottage.

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Martínez has already attracted interest from Juventus this summer, but a proposed move to the Italian club collapsed after concerns over a finger injury.

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Juventus subsequently signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.

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A move to Chelsea could also provide another opportunity for the Blues and Villa to do business, with the two clubs having maintained a close relationship in recent transfer windows.

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Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal.

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Villa are also interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at around £65m and could be reunited with manager Unai Emery.

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The clubs have previously been involved in deals described as a “PSR swap”, including the transfer of Ian Maatsen to Villa and Omari Kellyman to Chelsea.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Xavi Alonso has continued to defend Sánchez despite the goalkeeper’s difficult start.

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Alonso said his conversations with Sánchez had been focused on the team rather than the individual, stressing that Chelsea remain in a process of developing and making adjustments.

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Mike Penders, Chelsea’s number two goalkeeper, is also in contention to start against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.

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With Chelsea now exploring Martínez’s availability, the situation surrounding their goalkeeping position could become one of the stories to watch before the transfer window closes.

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