Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez may have a new opportunity to continue his career in the Premier League. According to sources, the Argentine goalkeeper’s agents have offered him to Chelsea.
Aston Villa is looking to part ways with the World Cup champion after signing Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, whom they consider their long-term number one. The possibility of Martínez joining Juventus fell through in early August, and the Argentine was also absent from the squad that lost 4-0 to Brighton in the Premier League opener.
What is Chelsea’s current goalkeeper situation?
The situation could open the door for Chelsea, which is evaluating options in goal following Robert Sánchez’s performance in the 3-2 win over Fulham. The Spanish goalkeeper made a costly mistake by allowing a shot by Josh King to find the back of the net.
Given this scenario, Chelsea is reportedly considering signing Martínez before the transfer window closes. Mike Penders, a 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, is also emerging as a long-term option and could get his chance against Luton in the Carabao Cup.
Sánchez’s performance has raised doubts in recent seasons at Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino kept him in the starting lineup in 2024, ahead of Serbian Djordje Petrovic, while Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior also opted to leave him out at times due to his poor form.
Martínez represents an experienced option for a Chelsea team looking to compete for the title. The Argentine was a key player on the national team that won the 2022 World Cup and also finished as runner-up behind Spain in this summer’s tournament.
Aston Villa’s busy summer
For its part, Aston Villa has shown a willingness to transfer Martínez, who joined the club in 2020 from Arsenal for £17 million. The Birmingham-based club is looking to lower the average age of its roster and also needs to generate revenue to comply with UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.
Villa has already secured a significant sum from the transfer of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117 million, while Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have also left the club.
Next up for Chelsea
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso spoke about Enzo Fernández and said he expects the Argentine to be available for their Carabao Cup match against Luton, despite speculation about his future. Alonso also confirmed that Moisés Caicedo and Marco Palestra remain sidelined with injuries, while Cole Palmer has now recovered.
