Chelsea Agree £7.5m Deal for Villa’s Martínez — Reports

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for a fee of £7.5 million.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs reached a verbal agreement on Thursday for the permanent transfer, while Martínez has already given the green light to the move.

Romano reported on X that Chelsea and Villa had agreed the transfer fee and terms, with Martínez approving the switch.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper became available after Aston Villa signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma as their new long-term No. 1.

Martínez has been training separately from the Villa first team and was left out of the squad for the club’s opening Premier League fixture against Brighton.

The Argentina international joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most important players.

Since arriving at Villa Park, Martínez has played a key role in the club’s rise and became one of the Premier League’s leading goalkeepers.

He was also instrumental in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his performances and penalty-saving heroics earned him widespread acclaim.

Martínez’s proposed move to Chelsea would give the London club an experienced goalkeeper with extensive Premier League and international experience.

Chelsea are believed to be looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department as they prepare for another demanding domestic and European campaign.

The transfer is still subject to Martínez completing his medical and other formalities before the move can be officially confirmed.

Chelsea are expected to complete the deal before the Premier League transfer window closes on September 1.

If finalised, Martínez will become another major addition to Chelsea’s squad as the club continues to strengthen its ranks ahead of the new season.