Chelsea have agreed a £7.5million deal to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, with the 33-year-old set to become Xabi Alonso's first-choice keeper after Robert Sanchez's error-strewn display in the Premier League opener.
Martinez is poised to sign a two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months, according to multiple reports. The move comes five days before the summer transfer window closes on Monday at 11pm.
Sanchez errors prompt ruthless Alonso decision
Chelsea won 3-2 away to Fulham on Monday night thanks to an impressive attacking display, but Sanchez was culpable for both goals they conceded. Alonso has now made a ruthless decision to bring in a new goalkeeper.
Sanchez, 28, has faced regular criticism since his £25m move from Brighton in 2023. Chelsea have signed a number of goalkeepers since, with the Spaniard coming in and out of the starting XI under various managers.
Alonso defended Sanchez after Monday's victory, saying: "It's about the team, it's not about the individual. The first goal, we can do better to defend, we can do better to avoid, but it's part of the game. We need to accept and to learn. This is going to be a process."
He added: "All the lines, from the strikers, the midfielders, the defence, the goalkeepers, we want to do better in everything. The goal was to start good, and we've been able to start well. Relax and carry on."
But the imminent signing of Martinez is proof that Alonso isn't convinced Sanchez is the right man for his first season at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson heads to Villa in separate deal
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson will go the other way in a separate deal worth an initial £47.5m plus £17.5m in potential add-ons.
It's been a summer of change at Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins also on the verge of a £50m move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Villa have already sold Lucas Digne, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa for a combined £214.5m.
Villa signed Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30m in preparation for Martinez's departure, with Juventus also linked with the former Arsenal shot-stopper earlier this summer. Although Juventus opted for Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario instead, Villa still brought in Suzuki. The Japan international, 24, is yet to make his debut for Villa, having been on the bench in their 4-0 loss away to Brighton.
Martinez brings pedigree to Chelsea
Martinez brings serious pedigree to Chelsea, who've brought in two other experienced players - Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck - since Alonso was appointed in June. The 33-year-old recently helped Argentina reach a second consecutive World Cup final after starring in the 2022 edition and was key to Villa winning the Europa League last season.
Before Martinez's impending arrival, Alonso opted to start 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders in Thursday's Carabao Cup second-round tie at home to Luton. The Chelsea boss is expected to face questions regarding Martinez after the match.
