Chelsea agree £7.5m deal to sign Emiliano Martinez from Villa

Chelsea have agreed a £7.5 million deal to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, with the Argentina international set to sign a two year contract at Stamford Bridge that includes the option of a further 12 month extension.

The 33 year old is due to undergo a medical in London, strengthening a goalkeeping department that came under scrutiny following two costly errors from current number one Robert Sanchez during Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday.

Sanchez allowed Josh King's shot to slip through his grasp at the near post before spilling another effort into a dangerous area in the second half, an error that led directly to a goal for striker Gonzalo Garcia and prompted manager Xabi Alonso to face questions over his goalkeeping options.

The Spaniard has been Chelsea's first choice goalkeeper for the majority of his time at the club since arriving from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2023, making 112 appearances in total, but the club's stance appears to have shifted rapidly in the days since the Fulham game.

Martinez's future at Villa Park had been in flux ever since a proposed move to Juventus collapsed earlier in the transfer window, reportedly due to concerns over a finger injury, with the Italian club instead signing Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.

Villa moved quickly to sign Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30 million as Martinez's likely replacement, leaving the Argentine to train separately from the first team squad in the weeks that followed as a move away was finalised.

Martinez made 256 appearances for Villa since joining from Arsenal in September 2020, playing a key role last season as Unai Emery's side secured a fourth placed finish and Champions League qualification while also winning the Europa League.