By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK , August 27, 2026 - Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign Emiliano Martínez, with the Argentina goalkeeper set to make a late move to Stamford Bridge.
The deal is understood to be worth around £7.5 million, with Martínez having already given the green light to Chelsea before the two clubs reached an agreement. Fabrizio Romano reported that the goalkeeper wanted the move and that negotiations between Chelsea and Villa had progressed rapidly on Thursday.
The agreement comes just days after Martínez emerged as a surprise target for Chelsea following concerns over their goalkeeping department.
Chelsea had initially been prepared to continue with Robert Sánchez as their first-choice goalkeeper, with young goalkeeper Mike Penders also regarded as an important part of the club's long-term plans.
However, Sánchez's recent performances have increased pressure on Chelsea to strengthen the position. The Spaniard was criticised for errors during Chelsea's Premier League victory over Fulham, prompting the club to explore the possibility of bringing in an experienced alternative.
Martínez offers exactly that experience.
The 33-year-old is a World Cup winner with Argentina, has won the Yashin Trophy twice and has established himself as one of the Premier League's most recognisable goalkeepers since joining Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020. He has made more than 250 appearances for Villa and played a major role in their rise under Unai Emery.
Martínez's departure is closely linked to Villa's decision to sign Zion Suzuki from Parma for almost £30 million.
The Japanese goalkeeper has been identified as Villa's new No. 1, leaving Martínez looking for a new club. A proposed move to Juventus previously collapsed after the Italian club opted to sign Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario instead.
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Chelsea's interest therefore arrived at the perfect moment.
Martínez had already made clear that he was open to leaving Villa, while Romano reported that he was particularly keen on joining Chelsea, even without European football this season.
For Chelsea, the agreement could prove one of the most significant late-window decisions.
Martínez brings Premier League experience, leadership and an outstanding international pedigree, while his relatively modest £7.5 million fee makes the transfer financially attractive.
The Argentine is now expected to complete the final formalities before officially becoming a Chelsea player.
After a summer in which Aston Villa replaced Martínez with Suzuki and Chelsea reassessed their own goalkeeping situation, the late transfer could see one of the Premier League's most experienced goalkeepers make a dramatic switch to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have their agreement with Villa. Martínez wants the move. The final formalities now stand between the World Cup winner and his new chapter in west London.