Chelsea weigh move for Emi Martinez as Aston Villa seek £10m exit before deadline

Chelsea are weighing up a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, with the Argentina international’s representatives having offered him to the club ahead of the European transfer window’s September 1 close, according to a report from The Athletic.

Martinez, 33, has been made available by Villa after the Birmingham club paid $35 million to sign Japan international Zion Suzuki, who is expected to become their first-choice goalkeeper this season. Villa have placed a $13.4 million price tag on Martinez, making him a relatively affordable option for clubs in the market for an experienced stopper.

The World Cup-winning goalkeeper has been one of the most decorated shot-stoppers in world football since his breakthrough at international level. He was the decisive figure in Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar, cementing his status as the country’s undisputed No. 1.

In six seasons at Villa Park following his move from Arsenal in 2020, Martinez established himself as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers, earning back-to-back FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper nominations and helping the club return to European competition.

Chelsea are not alone in their interest. Martinez has also been linked with Manchester United, Juventus, Atlético Madrid and Galatasaray, suggesting his representatives are casting a wide net as the window enters its final days. Whether Chelsea move quickly enough — and whether any of the other suitors firm up their interest — will determine where the Argentine ends up before Tuesday’s deadline.