Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea are considering a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after making contact with the Argentina international’s representatives.
The 33-year-old is considered available for a potential transfer from Villa after the club signed Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for about £30m earlier this month.
The move could provide another opportunity for Chelsea and Villa to do business. Chelsea signed forward Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal.
Striker Nicolas Jackson, valued around £65m, could also join Villa and be reunited with his former manager, Unai Emery.
The clubs are known to have a close relationship. They were also involved in a deal widely described as a “PSR swap”, which saw defender Ian Maatsen join Villa and Omari Kellyman, who is now at Strasbourg, move to Chelsea.
Juventus attempted to sign Martinez earlier in the transfer window, but the deal collapsed because of concerns over a finger injury.
The Italian club instead signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.
The potential move comes amid concerns over the performances of Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Sanchez, Chelsea‘s current number one, was beaten at his near post by Josh King’s angled shot in the opening Premier League match against Fulham.
He later spilled another effort into a dangerous area, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to score, although Chelsea won 3-2 win at Craven Cottage.
Manager Xavi Alonso initially defended the Spanish goalkeeper after the match and was again asked about him before the Carabao Cup match against Luton Town on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge.
“No, (we have had) normal conversations,” he said. “We have talked more about the team thing, about what we did well and what we have to do better.
“It was more about understanding the context. Every game is going to be important because we are in this process that we still need to develop things, we need to make adjustments that are more team-related.”
Chelsea‘s number two goalkeeper Mike Penders, who returned over the summer from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg, could start instead.
Asked about Penders’ involvement, Alonso added: “He’s in the squad, so he has an opportunity.
“We will decide and give the team to the players tomorrow, so I prefer to expect that they know first.”
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