Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, with the Aston Villa goalkeeper reportedly giving his approval to a move to Stamford Bridge.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Martinez has already said yes to Chelsea’s project and wants the transfer to happen before the window closes.
The latest development comes just a day after reports emerged that Chelsea had made contact with the Argentina international’s representatives as they assessed their goalkeeping options.
Romano reported on X that Martínez “wants the move” and is hoping for a switch to Chelsea ahead of the deadline, with internal discussions continuing at the Premier League club.
The development potentially puts Chelsea in a strong position, but a deal is not yet complete.
Romano said the decision is now up to Chelsea, with internal talks ongoing over whether to proceed with the move.
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa. Photocredit: Getty Images
The situation follows growing questions surrounding Robert Sánchez, who endured a difficult start to Chelsea’s Premier League campaign despite the Blues beating Fulham 3-2.
Chelsea have therefore been exploring alternatives, with Martínez emerging as an experienced option capable of immediately competing for the starting position.
At 33, the Argentina international would also bring considerable experience to a Chelsea side competing across multiple fronts.
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Romano also provided an update on another possible destination for Martínez, confirming that Tottenham are currently not involved in the situation.
The north London club are reportedly satisfied with their current goalkeeping options, so far, with Kinsky and Dubravka, and are therefore not currently pursuing Martínez.
That leaves Chelsea with a clearer path should they decide to make a formal move.
Emiliano Martinez has given the green light to Chelsea over a potential move from Aston Villa, with the decision now resting on the Blues before the transfer deadline.
Chelsea and Aston Villa have already conducted significant business in recent transfer windows.
Chelsea recently 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 has been valued at around £65m.
The clubs have previously completed deals involving Ian Maatsen and Omari Kellyman, making Villa and Chelsea familiar negotiating partners.
After attracting interest from Juventus earlier in the summer, a move to Italy collapsed amid concerns over a finger injury, with Juventus subsequently signing Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.
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The remaining question is whether Chelsea will make the decision to turn that desire into a late transfer before the deadline.
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