Chelsea secure Emiliano Martínez as goalkeeping crisis deepens

Chelsea confirmed a £7.5 million (£10.2 million) deal with Aston Villa for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez on Thursday night, August 28, 2026. The 33-year-old, a 2022 World Cup winner and 2024–25 Premier League Save-of-the-Season recipient, is expected to become the club’s No. 1, ending a season-opening spell in which Robert Sánchez was blamed for both goals in a 3-2 win over Fulham.

ESPNThe GuardianESPNSports IllustratedEmi Martinez to Chelsea transfer update after Xabi Alonso told of instant problem

Chelsea’s goalkeeping department has been described as a “blind spot” since the 2018 sale of Thibaut Courtois. Sánchez, signed for £25 million from Brighton in 2023, has been dropped repeatedly by former managers Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. The club also promoted 21-year-old Belgian Mike Penders, but his inexperience was deemed a risk for a title-challenging side. The Martínez offer arrived after Villa’s acquisition of Japan international Zion Suzuki for about £30 million, leaving the Argentine surplus to Villa’s plans.

ESPN

• Transfer fee: £7.5 million (? $10.2 million).

Sports Illustrated

• Sánchez’s error rate: directly responsible for both Fulham goals on August 27, 2026.

The Guardian

• Martínez appearances for Villa: 256 since September 2020; 33 caps for Argentina, including the 2022 World Cup win and 2026 final.

The Guardian

• Remaining senior players on Chelsea’s books: 36 (as of early August 2026).

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Chelsea’s recruitment chief presented the Martínez option to manager Xabi Alonso, who gave “the green light” (source: The Guardian). He added that the squad-size reduction plan remains a work-in-progress.

Mirror - UK

Former England international Gary Neville called the goalkeeper position “the last piece” Chelsea had left unaddressed in the window.

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*Market status*: Some outlets (e.g., Sky Sports) reported that Chelsea “denied” any late-window interest in a new goalkeeper, while others (The Guardian, ESPN) documented rapid negotiations with Martínez’s representatives after Sánchez’s Fulham performance.

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*Enzo Fernández price*: The club initially set a £120 million price tag, but later sources said the figure was removed from the table. Manchester City’s interest was reported as “missed the August 14 deadline” yet later described as “still determined” to sign the midfielder before the September 1 deadline.

Heavy

• “I don't have a number, I have an idea. We will be close to that. Hopefully, all of them will feel involved. We are all in the same boat and everyone is pulling in the same direction.” — Xabi Alonso, Chelsea manager

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• “Chelsea will never win the league with Sanchez in goal. Impossible. It can’t happen.” — Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender

Sports Illustrated

• “The reality of it is, Chelsea do need a new goalkeeper and it’s one thing I’m surprised they haven’t dealt with this in the transfer window. That’s the last piece.” — Gary Neville, former England defender

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Chelsea face Brighton at Stamford Bridge on August 30, 2026, a match that will test Martínez’s integration ahead of the September 1 transfer-window deadline. The club also remains engaged in talks over a potential replacement for Enzo Fernández, with AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara identified as a target should the Argentine depart.

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