Chelsea are reportedly considering Emiliano Martinez as a transfer target this summer, with Enzo Maresca said to be keen on signing him.
The 32-year-old shot-stopper has been a fundamental presence for Villa over the past five years, playing a key role in our ongoing progression on the pitch while also bringing experience, a winning mentality and leadership to the group as he’s continued to flourish at international level with Argentina.
READ MORE: Interest touted in Villa ace with Emery facing key decision
Ideally, we’d keep him at the club for the foreseeable future to remain a vital piece in Unai Emery’s plans moving forward, but transfer speculation continues to link Martinez with a departure this summer.
Rumours arguably went into overdrive after his teary reaction at full-time in our last home game of last season, as many interpreted that as an admission that he was aware he may well have played his final game as a Villa player at Villa Park.
While that was rebuffed by his wife to an extent earlier this month, it hasn’t stopped speculation over his future, and it now appears as though Chelsea could enter the equation as they look to bolster their options between the posts ahead of next season.
“Chelsea want Emiliano Martínez as their starting goalkeeper, and Enzo Maresca has asked,” Argentine journalist Christian Martin said, as per the video below. “Willy Caballero has also given the go-ahead. The player wants to stay in England, so it’s an option for Chelsea.”
¿CUÁL SERÁ EL FUTURO DE EMILIANO MARTÍNEZ?
🎙 Escuchamos la información de @askomartin, con dos clubes que se suman para contar con los servicios del Dibu. pic.twitter.com/n5VgSndbpD
— DSPORTS (@DSports) June 26, 2025
Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for Mike Maignan at the start of the transfer window, but after that move failed to materialise, time will tell if they do indeed switch their focus to Martinez. Martin goes on to add that Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are also interested, but a move to either will hinge on their ability to move on Andre Onana or Jan Oblak respectively first to free up space.
As for Chelsea, having refused to pay what AC Milan wanted for Maignan, it’s questionable as to whether or not they’d be willing to splash out on Martinez instead, particularly with the transfer fee he’s likely to command despite being 32 years of age now. In turn, there could arguably be an element of his agent being at play here with Argentine journalists drumming up interest in him, with Martin previously interviewing our star man and perhaps knowing him on a personal level.
It would undoubtedly be a major setback to lose the Argentine international though, but if it turns out that he’s ultimately open to a move and beginning a new chapter in his career, it’s hoped that Villa can get a good deal as the funds raised from his potential sale will go towards his replacement.
Further, with Robin Olsen officially leaving in the coming days when his contract expires, Villa will be active in the goalkeeper market between now and the start of next season, and it remains to be seen if we’ll be looking for a new number one option between the sticks too.
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