Photo Credit: Emiliano Martinez / GETTY IMAGES
Chelsea Make Contact With Emiliano Martínez Over Potential Aston Villa Exit

Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez as they weigh up a move for the Argentine.

According to BBC Sport, the 33-year-old World Cup winner could be allowed to leave Villa Park after the club completed the signing of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m earlier this month.

The Blues’ interest comes amid concerns over the form of Robert Sánchez, who made a number of errors in Chelsea’s opening Premier League 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Martínez has also attracted interest from Juventus this summer, but a proposed switch to Turin collapsed over concerns about a finger injury, with Juventus subsequently signing Guglielmo Vicario on loan from Tottenham.

A deal could see Chelsea and Villa do business again. The two clubs have maintained a close relationship in recent windows, with Chelsea signing Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m while Alejandro Garnacho moved the other way on an initial loan. Villa are also interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65m.

Despite the speculation, Chelsea manager Xavi Alonso has continued to publicly back Sánchez, saying discussions have focused on the team rather than individual errors.

With Mike Penders also in contention to start against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation is set to be one of the key storylines before the transfer window closes.
Source: Punch Newspapers –