EPL: Chelsea contact Martínez over possible move from Aston Villa

Chelsea have made contact with Emiliano Martínez’s representatives as they consider a move for the Aston Villa goalkeeper.

According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the 33-year-old Argentina international could be available for transfer after Villa signed Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m earlier this month.

Chelsea’s interest comes amid concerns over Robert Sánchez’s performances.

The Spanish goalkeeper made a number of mistakes in Chelsea’s opening Premier League victory over Fulham, although the Blues eventually secured a 3-2 win at Craven Cottage.

Martínez has already attracted interest from Juventus this summer, but a proposed move to the Italian club collapsed after concerns over a finger injury.

Juventus subsequently signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.

A move to Chelsea could also provide another opportunity for the Blues and Villa to do business, with the two clubs having maintained a close relationship in recent transfer windows.

Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal.

Villa are also interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at around £65m and could be reunited with manager Unai Emery.

The clubs have previously been involved in deals described as a “PSR swap”, including the transfer of Ian Maatsen to Villa and Omari Kellyman to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Xavi Alonso has continued to defend Sánchez despite the goalkeeper’s difficult start.

Alonso said his conversations with Sánchez had been focused on the team rather than the individual, stressing that Chelsea remain in a process of developing and making adjustments.

Mike Penders, Chelsea’s number two goalkeeper, is also in contention to start against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.

With Chelsea now exploring Martínez’s availability, the situation surrounding their goalkeeping position could become one of the stories to watch before the transfer window closes.