Chelsea have been handed a surprise late chance to sign Emiliano Martinez for under £10 million, with Aston Villa now willing to sanction a cut-price departure as Xabi Alonso reconsiders his goalkeeping options before the window shuts.
Robert Sanchez started Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham and the Blues eventually won 3-2, but he was at fault for both goals conceded, reigniting scrutiny over whether he should remain the club’s long-term number one. That shaky start appears to have shifted the calculation at Stamford Bridge.
Why Aston Villa Are Willing To Sell Emiliano Martinez Cheap
Villa are reportedly seeking less than £10 million for the 33-year-old, who made clear before this summer’s World Cup that he wanted to leave the club. A move to Juventus collapsed earlier in the window despite personal terms being agreed, and Villa have since signed Zion Suzuki as Unai Emery’s new first-choice goalkeeper, leaving Martinez surplus to requirements regardless of what happens next.
With his representatives now working to find him a new club, Chelsea and fellow top-flight side Tottenham Hotspur have both been contacted over a possible deal.
Xabi Alonso’s Goalkeeper Rethink
Alonso had previously settled on sticking with Sanchez, with young Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders held back as backup. But Sanchez’s difficult start to the season is reportedly forcing a reconsideration, with the club’s hierarchy keen to give Alonso a genuinely reliable option between the posts.
Sanchez has never fully convinced since arriving at Chelsea, and the fresh criticism after the Fulham win has only sharpened the debate. Martinez, by contrast, brings Premier League experience, a proven record at the highest level, and the mentality that comes with being Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper. He isn’t without flaws of his own, particularly with the ball at his feet, but at a fee under £10 million he would represent a low-risk, high-upside upgrade if Chelsea decide to move.
Penders Still Seen As The Long-Term Answer
None of this necessarily means Chelsea’s longer-term plan has changed. Penders remains highly regarded inside the building after an impressive loan spell at sister club Strasbourg last season, and he’s still viewed by many at the club as the eventual long-term successor in goal.
A cut-price Martinez deal wouldn’t need to derail that. Signing him now could simply buy Chelsea more time to bring Penders through gradually, rather than rushing a 21-year-old into the position while results matter most.
What Happens Next For Chelsea And Emiliano Martinez
With the price this low and the window closing fast, this is the kind of opportunity clubs don’t often get handed twice. Whether Alonso and Chelsea’s hierarchy move quickly enough to beat Tottenham to Martinez’s signature should become clear within days.
