Chelsea have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for the permanent signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to journalist David Ornstein.
The Argentina international is understood to have held talks with Chelsea over the past two days about becoming their new first-choice goalkeeper. The proposed move would see Chelsea pay Aston Villa £7.5m for the 33-year-old.
Martinez has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea retaining the option to extend the deal for a further 12 months.
The agreement comes after Chelsea were said to be considering a change in goal following Robert Sanchez’s uncertain performance in Monday’s 3-2 victory over Fulham on 24 August.
Sanchez, 28, was arguably responsible for both goals conceded by Chelsea. He was beaten at his near post by Josh King for Fulham’s first goal before parrying the ball straight to Gonzalo Garcia, who scored the second.
Despite Chelsea securing all three points, Sanchez’s display increased speculation that the club were looking to strengthen their goalkeeping options. That search has now led them to Martinez, who has been with Aston Villa and worked under manager Unai Emery.
The proposed transfer would bring an experienced international goalkeeper to Chelsea, with Martinez having established himself as Argentina’s number one. However, the deal remains described as an agreement between the clubs, with the move still subject to the completion of the transfer process.
Chelsea’s reported decision follows a difficult evening for Sanchez against Fulham, whose two goals exposed concerns over the goalkeeper’s ability to deal with efforts at his near post and his distribution after making a save.
Martinez’s arrival would provide competition in the Chelsea squad and give the club another established option in goal. Aston Villa, meanwhile, would be set to receive £7.5m for the goalkeeper, who is expected to sign an initial two-year deal with the possibility of staying for an additional season.
The details of the agreement were reported by David Ornstein, while Martinez’s discussions with Chelsea are understood to have taken place over the past couple of days.
