Chelsea in talks to sign World Cup winner - David Ornstein

Updated: 26 Aug 2026 14:13 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, and it is a possibility they are seriously considering.

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If the Blues' opening day victory over rivals Fulham showed one thing, it's that they still, after all these years, have a goalkeeper problem. Robert Sanchez yet again made a mess of things, a common theme in recent seasons.

Although highly-rated young shot-stopper Mike Penders was on the bench, he seemingly has yet to fully win Xabi Alonso's trust. After the Fulham game, the manager appeared to suggest that Sanchez would retain his place.

Current ETV

Emiliano Martínez

A. Villa

Emiliano Martínez

A. Villa

ETV Range

€15.1M - €18.4M

However, this nightmare scenario for Chelsea could yet be averted. According to TEAMtalk, and confirmed by David Ornstein, the Blues have been offered the chance to sign Aston Villa star Martinez.

The World Cup winner is once again being offered around by his representatives in search of a new club. The 2022 World Cup winner has been trying to leave Aston Villa since last year.

Chelsea consider Martinez move - it's a no-brainer

According to Ornstein, Chelsea are actively considering the possibility of signing Martinez, who is likely to be available for a cut-price fee and who would add yet more high-profile experience to Alonso's squad after the signings of Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.

Villa have already signed Zion Suzuki this summer, and although he was benched for their disastrous Premier League opener against Brighton, he is clearly the club's long-term No.1.

Martinez was in discussions over a move to Juventus twice earlier this summer, but talks collapsed both times, with the Serie A giants ultimately opting to sign Guglielmo Vicario and Kamil Grabara instead.

TEAMtalk claims that Villa are ready to sanction Martinez's exit for less than €10 million in the final days of the window, and there is known to be a strong relationship with Chelsea.

The Blues signed Morgan Rogers from Villa earlier this summer and then sent Alejandro Garnacho on loan to the Birmingham club. Presently, the two sides are in discussions over a permanent transfer of Nicolas Jackson.

At that price, signing Martinez is a no-brainer for Chelsea. Although he hasn't been at his usual level over the past 12 months, he should still be an upgrade on the error-prone Sanchez, who has now failed to impress under four different permanent head coaches at Chelsea.

Data analytics firm SciSports concurs that Martinez is better than Sanchez. Chelsea would be foolish to turn down this opportunity.