Xabi Alonso_v5
Chelsea Transfer News has taken another turn after Paul Scholes urged Chelsea and Xabi Alonso to sign Aston Villa’s 33-year-old goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez before the window closes. Metro News, citing comments from The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, reports that Scholes sees Robert Sanchez as a problem after costly mistakes and wants Chelsea to make a late move.
The reported deal hinges on a modest fee. Juventus explored a move around €10 million, yet Villa wanted at least £11 million upfront. That gap helped derail the Turin switch, leaving Martinez in an awkward position late in the window. Aston Villa have agreed a deal for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, although Martinez could still remain at Villa.
‘I think the goalkeeper is still a problem for Chelsea,’ Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. ‘If I were them, I would have a look at the Aston Villa goalkeeper because his move to Juventus has just fallen through. I think he would be a good signing for Chelsea.’
Michael Owen backed Chelsea to finish second, citing their lack of European football as a major advantage. Chelsea have spent more than £300m this summer, with Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro among the headline additions.
Chelsea Transfer News: Why Chelsea should reject the move
I disagree with Scholes. Martinez brings elite shot-stopping, authority and huge-match experience, but Alonso needs a goalkeeper who supports his possession structure. Chelsea will ask their goalkeeper to participate heavily during build-up, especially against a high press.
Martinez’s profile raises questions there. His 2025/26 Premier League campaign included 415 long passes and 76% overall passing accuracy, which points to a keeper comfortable bypassing pressure rather than patiently recycling possession. That habit could clash with Alonso’s preference for controlled construction. Chelsea’s recent spending shows ambition, yet goalkeeper recruitment needs greater tactical precision.
Chelsea Transfer News: Age and squad planning matter
Age creates another issue. Martinez is 33, so Chelsea would gain little resale value while committing substantial wages. The club already have Robert Sanchez and Belgian prospect Mike Penders, who returned after an impressive Strasbourg loan.
There’s one more concern: dressing-room fit. Martinez’s forceful personality can become an asset, but it can clash with coaching authority, as shown when Unai Emery removed him from Villa’s vice-captaincy. Chelsea need stability behind Alonso, not another expensive short-term solution. Chelsea Transfer News should favour a younger ball-playing goalkeeper, because £11m plus wages makes little sense when the club already have Penders waiting.
The current structure gives Alonso a clear path: test Sanchez, develop Penders and recruit only when the tactical gain clearly outweighs the full added cost. That approach protects both the squad’s age profile and Alonso’s tactical identity.