Chelsea Eyes Transfer for Emiliano Martinez Amid Goalkeeping Concerns
Chelsea is contemplating a transfer for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez following discussions with the Argentine’s representatives. The 33-year-old goalkeeper is seen as available for transfer after Villa secured Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30 million earlier this month.
This potential move could pave the way for further transactions between Chelsea and Villa. Recently, Chelsea acquired forward Morgan Rogers from Villa in a deal worth a club-record £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa on an initial loan arrangement.
There is also speculation around striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at approximately £65 million, joining Villa and reuniting with his former manager, Unai Emery. The two clubs have a history of collaboration, previously engaging in a deal dubbed a “PSR swap,” in which defender Ian Maatsen transferred to Villa while Omari Kellyman, now with Strasbourg, moved to Chelsea.
Earlier in the transfer window, Juventus had attempted to sign Martinez, but discussions fell through due to concerns regarding a finger injury. The Italian side subsequently opted for Tottenham’s goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.
This transfer consideration arises amidst questions regarding the performance of Chelsea’s current goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. In his opening match of the Premier League against Fulham, Sanchez conceded a goal from Josh King’s angled shot and later fumbled the ball, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to score, though Chelsea ultimately won 3-2.
Manager Xavi Alonso defended Sanchez after the match, reiterating the necessity for team improvements ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Luton Town on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge. He stated, “No, we have had normal conversations. We have talked more about the team thing, about what we did well and what we have to do better.”
Alonso also mentioned that Chelsea’s second-choice goalkeeper, Mike Penders, who recently returned from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg, might step in. When asked about Penders’ potential involvement, Alonso confirmed, “He’s in the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and give the team to the players tomorrow, so I prefer to expect that they know first.”
Chelsea are considering a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after making contact with the Argentina international’s representatives.
The 33-year-old is considered available for a potential transfer from Villa after the club signed Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for about £30m earlier this month.
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The move could provide another opportunity for Chelsea and Villa to do business. Chelsea signed forward Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal.
Striker Nicolas Jackson, valued around £65m, could also join Villa and be reunited with his former manager, Unai Emery.
The clubs are known to have a close relationship. They were also involved in a deal widely described as a “PSR swap”, which saw defender Ian Maatsen join Villa and Omari Kellyman, who is now at Strasbourg, move to Chelsea.
Juventus attempted to sign Martinez earlier in the transfer window, but the deal collapsed because of concerns over a finger injury.
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The Italian club instead signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.
The potential move comes amid concerns over the performances of Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Sanchez, Chelsea’s current number one, was beaten at his near post by Josh King’s angled shot in the opening Premier League match against Fulham.
He later spilled another effort into a dangerous area, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to score, although Chelsea won 3-2 win at Craven Cottage.
Manager Xavi Alonso initially defended the Spanish goalkeeper after the match and was again asked about him before the Carabao Cup match against Luton Town on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge.
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“No, (we have had) normal conversations,” he said. “We have talked more about the team thing, about what we did well and what we have to do better.
“It was more about understanding the context. Every game is going to be important because we are in this process that we still need to develop things, we need to make adjustments that are more team-related.”
Chelsea’s number two goalkeeper Mike Penders, who returned over the summer from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg, could start instead.
Asked about Penders’ involvement, Alonso added: “He’s in the squad, so he has an opportunity.
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“We will decide and give the team to the players tomorrow, so I prefer to expect that they know first.”
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