Chelsea Step Up Interest In Aston Villa Goalkeeper Martinez

Chelsea have opened discussions with Emiliano Martinez’s representatives over a potential move for the Aston Villa goalkeeper as concerns grow over Robert Sanchez’s performances.

The 33-year-old Argentina international has emerged as a possible target for the Blues, with Villa reportedly willing to consider his departure following the £30 million signing of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this month.

Chelsea’s interest could lead to another major deal between the two clubs, who have developed a strong transfer relationship in recent seasons.

The Blues signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65 million, is also a potential target for Villa and could be reunited with former Chelsea manager Unai Emery.

The two clubs were previously involved in a deal described as a “PSR swap”, with defender Ian Maatsen moving to Villa and Omari Kellyman, who is now at Strasbourg, joining Chelsea.

Martinez’s availability is understood to have attracted interest from several clubs. Juventus attempted to sign the goalkeeper earlier in the transfer window, but the move collapsed after concerns emerged over a finger injury. The Italian giants subsequently brought in Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.

Chelsea’s interest comes after Sanchez endured a difficult opening Premier League fixture against Fulham.

The Spanish goalkeeper was beaten at his near post by Josh King’s angled effort before spilling another shot into a dangerous area, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to score.

Chelsea nevertheless held on for a 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage, but Sanchez’s display has prompted renewed questions over whether he remains the long-term solution between the posts.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso initially defended the goalkeeper after the match and was asked again about Sanchez ahead of Thursday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Luton Town at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso played down suggestions that Sanchez had become a major concern, saying discussions had focused primarily on the team rather than individual errors.

“No, (we have had) normal conversations,” Alonso said. “We have talked more about the team thing, about what we did well and what we have to do better.”

He added: “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.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s second-choice goalkeeper Mike Penders could be handed an opportunity against Luton after returning from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg.

Asked whether Penders could feature, Alonso said: “He’s in the squad, so he has an opportunity.”

The Spaniard added that he would announce his starting XI to the players before making the decision public.

Chelsea’s interest in Martinez suggests that, despite Alonso’s public backing of Sanchez, the club is actively assessing its goalkeeping options as the new season gets under way.