Martinez Chelsea move gathers pace as the 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper gives the Blues the green light for a potential late transfer

Emiliano Martínez, the 33-year-old Aston Villa goalkeeper, has given Chelsea the green light for a potential move to Stamford Bridge on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as Chelsea continue internal discussions over a late transfer for the Argentina international.

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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Martínez is keen on joining Chelsea and would accept the move even without European football this season.

“Emiliano Martínez already said yes to Chelsea project. He wants the move and hopes for #CFC switch ahead of the deadline,” Romano wrote.

The final decision, however, remains with Chelsea. Romano said internal discussions are continuing as the club assesses its goalkeeping options.

Chelsea’s interest emerged after Robert Sánchez came under criticism for his performance in the 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham, with his errors contributing to both goals conceded.

Martínez has consequently emerged as a potentially experienced solution for Chelsea, although any deal would require the club to resolve its current goalkeeping situation.

The Blues already have Sánchez and young goalkeeper Mike Penders, meaning a move for Martínez would create significant competition for places.

Romano has indicated that Chelsea are unlikely to complete the signing without first finding a solution involving one of the existing goalkeepers.

The Argentina goalkeeper’s situation at Villa has also changed significantly this summer.

Aston Villa signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for close to £30 million, with Suzuki expected to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. The arrival effectively opened the door for Martínez to pursue a new challenge.

Martínez had initially been linked with Juventus, but that proposed move collapsed after the Italian club turned its attention towards Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

The Argentine’s availability has now created an intriguing late-window opportunity for Chelsea.

Reports indicate that Villa could accept a fee of around £8 million for Martínez, although the exact terms of any potential agreement have yet to be confirmed.

The goalkeeper remains a highly decorated figure despite the uncertainty surrounding his club future.

Martínez was instrumental in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and has twice won the Yashin Trophy for the world’s best goalkeeper.

His experience could therefore offer Chelsea something different from the younger goalkeeping options already within the squad.

There is also a wider connection between the two clubs. Chelsea and Villa have conducted several significant pieces of transfer business in recent seasons, including Morgan Rogers’ move to Stamford Bridge and Alejandro Garnacho’s loan switch in the opposite direction.

The clubs are also negotiating over Nicolas Jackson, who could move to Villa in a separate deal, adding another layer to an increasingly busy relationship between the two Premier League sides.

For Martínez, the attraction appears clear. He wants a fresh challenge and is prepared to join Chelsea despite the club’s absence from European competition this season.

For Chelsea, however, the decision is more complicated.

The club must determine whether Martínez’s experience and proven pedigree justify adding another senior goalkeeper, particularly when Sánchez and Penders remain on the books.

With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, the Martinez Chelsea move could develop quickly if Chelsea resolve their internal goalkeeping concerns.

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For now, Martínez has made his position clear. The next move belongs to Chelsea.