Goalkeepers who want a new challenge late in the window often find themselves offered to rival Premier League clubs. Collapsed moves elsewhere leave experienced internationals available at modest fees. Clubs questioning their current number one weigh proven winners against long-term plans.
World Cup winners with Premier League pedigree remain attractive even in their thirties. Selling clubs that have already signed a replacement look to move players on quickly. Internal talks at interested sides decide whether a late deal happens.
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Emiliano Martinez has given the green light to a move to Chelsea after being offered to the Stamford Bridge club by his representatives. The former Arsenal goalkeeper wants the switch completed before the transfer deadline.
Aston Villa signed Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this month as their new first-choice keeper. A proposed move for Martinez to Juventus then collapsed, leaving the 33-year-old training separately while a new destination is found.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Martinez has already said yes to Chelsea’s project and hopes a deal can be completed this week. Tottenham had also been approached but are not currently involved. Chelsea are holding internal discussions about whether to proceed.
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Villa are understood to be seeking a relatively modest fee, reported in some quarters as less than £10million. The Argentina international was not in the squad for Villa’s opening 4-0 defeat at Brighton.
Martinez came through at Arsenal and won the FA Cup in 2020 before joining Villa, where he lifted the Europa League last season. He won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and reached the final again this summer.
Chelsea have endured a long run without a Premier League clean sheet and questions persist over Robert Sanchez after errors in the opening fixture. Martinez would offer immediate experience and winning pedigree if the Blues decide to act.
Supporters of his former clubs will follow the outcome with interest. Any deal would need to be completed before 1 September. Further updates are expected once Chelsea reach a final decision and talks with Villa progress.
Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
Mikel Arteta - Arsenal