Premier League side Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for a reported £7.5 million fee.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in a tweet on X on Thursday, the clubs have agreed to terms for the permanent transfer, while Martínez has already given the go-ahead to the move.
“Chelsea reached a verbal agreement to sign Emiliano Martínez. Here we go! Club-to-club agreement with Aston Villa on fee worth £7.5m for permanent move. Dibu gave the green light yesterday, and clubs agreed on terms today,” Romano posted on X.
The 33-year-old Argentine goalkeeper became available after Aston Villa signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma as their new long-term No. 1.
Chelsea’s move for the World Cup-winning goalkeeper comes after concerns over Robert Sánchez’s performance in the club’s Premier League victory over Fulham.
The goalkeeper made errors that contributed to Fulham’s goals in the match.
Martínez has been training separately from the Aston Villa first team and was left out of the squad for their opening Premier League fixture against Brighton.
Martínez, an Argentina international who joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020, has established himself as a key player at the club.
He was instrumental in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory and helped Villa win the Europa League last season.
The proposed transfer is subject to Martínez’s medical and other formalities. Chelsea is expected to complete the deal before the Premier League transfer window closes on September 1.
