Chelsea offered chance to sign keeper Emiliano Martinez by his representatives
By Robert O'Connor, Press Association
Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez by his representatives, the Press Association understands.
Villa are looking to offload the World Cup winner following the acquisition of Japan international Zion Suzuki, who they consider to be their long-term number one.
A deal to sell Martinez to Juventus fell through earlier in August, and he was not in the squad for the 4-0 defeat to Brighton on the Premier League’s opening weekend.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation has been under renewed scrutiny following Robert Sanchez’s poor performance in Monday’s 3-2 win against Fulham when he was badly at fault in allowing a tame shot from Josh King to squeeze through him.
The club are understood to be considering whether to act to replace Sanchez with Martinez before the transfer window closes.
It had been hoped that 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg and could make his first-team debut against Luton in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, would eventually prove able to step up and challenge Sanchez for the number one shirt.
However, the possibility of signing an established Premier League keeper and an experienced international presents obvious advantages for a club looking to challenge for the title this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of Monday’s game at Craven Cottage, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: “Chelsea will never win the league with Sanchez in goal. Impossible. It can’t happen.”
Fellow pundit Gary Neville said: “The reality of it is, Chelsea do need a new goalkeeper and it’s one thing I’m surprised they haven’t dealt with this in the transfer window. That’s the last piece.”
Sanchez’s performances have been an issue that has haunted successive Chelsea managers.
Mauricio Pochettino dropped him as his number one in 2024, preferring the relatively untested Serbia international Djordje Petrovic, whilst Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior also left him out for periods in response to poor form.
Villa have been open to selling Martinez, who joined from Arsenal for £17million in 2020, as they look to lower the average age of their squad.
The need for the club to sell this summer – with Morgan Rogers leaving for Chelsea for £117m, and Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne also sold – has been well documented as they look to comply with the financial rules of both UEFA and the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expects midfielder Enzo Fernandez to be involved against the Hatters despite continuing speculation over his future.
The Argentina international, whom Chelsea value at £120m, has been persistently linked with a move to Manchester City.
Speaking at a press conference, Alonso said: “Yes we expect that he’s involved. He’s training really well and he is a good professional.”
Asked if he would like the 25-year-old to stay, Alonso added: “We want to have the best team possible. We know Enzo and his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait.
“We’ll think about tomorrow and let’s see how things develop.”
Alonso confirmed Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are still out injured but Cole Palmer has been passed fit.
