Chelsea are exploring a transfer for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after reaching out to the Argentina international’s agents.
The 33-year-old is seen as accessible for a possible transfer from Villa following the club’s acquisition of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m earlier this month.
This shift may offer another chance for Chelsea and Villa to engage in transactions. Chelsea acquired forward Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho transferred in the opposite direction on a preliminary loan arrangement.
Striker Nicolas Jackson, estimated to be worth approximately £65m, might also make a move to Villa to reunite with his previous manager, Unai Emery.
The clubs are recognized for having a strong connection. They participated in a transaction commonly referred to as a “PSR swap,” where defender Ian Maatsen transferred to Villa and Omari Kellyman, now at Strasbourg, went to Chelsea.
Juventus tried to acquire Martinez earlier in the transfer window, but the transaction fell through due to worries about a finger injury.
The Italian club opted to sign Tottenham’s goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.
The possible transfer arises due to worries about the play of Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Sanchez, Chelsea’s present goalkeeper, got beaten at his near post by Josh King’s angled attempt in the first Premier League game against Fulham.
He subsequently directed another attempt into a risky zone, enabling Gonzalo Garcia to find the net, although Chelsea triumphed 3-2 at Craven Cottage.
Manager Xavi Alonso first supported the Spanish goalkeeper following the game and was again questioned about him ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Luton Town on Thursday evening at Stamford Bridge.
“No, (we have had) normal conversations,” he said. “We have talked more about the team thing, about what we did well and what we have to do better.
“It was more about understanding the context. Every game is going to be important because we are in this process where we still need to develop things; we need to make adjustments that are more team-related.”
Chelsea’s second-choice goalkeeper Mike Penders, who returned over the summer from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg, could start instead.
Speaking about Penders’ involvement, Alonso added: “He’s in the squad, so he has an opportunity.
“We will decide and give the team to the players tomorrow, so I prefer to expect that they know first.”
