Chelsea Agree £7.5m Deal For Martinez
Chelsea have agreed a £7.5m fee with Aston Villa for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is expected to undergo a medical in London.
Deal agreed
Chelsea have agreed a £7.5m fee with Aston Villa to sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The 33-year-old Argentina international is expected to undergo a medical in London before completing the move to Stamford Bridge. Both BBC Sport and Sky Sports report that the deal has been agreed, but it is not yet officially completed.
Chelsea move for experience
Martinez would bring considerable Premier League and international experience to Chelsea’s goalkeeping group.
The goalkeeper won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and has been Aston Villa’s first-choice keeper for several seasons. Sky Sports reports that he has recently become Villa’s second-choice goalkeeper.
The move follows scrutiny of Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez after an error in Monday’s win at Fulham, although Sky Sports reports Chelsea had previously denied actively seeking an experienced goalkeeper.
Contract details
Martinez is expected to sign a two-year contract with Chelsea, with an option for a further year, according to The Athletic.
The move is understood to be a permanent transfer rather than a loan.
What happens next
Chelsea and Martinez must complete the medical and paperwork before the transfer can be formally announced.
Until then, Martinez remains an Aston Villa player and the deal should be described as agreed, rather than completed.