Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Emi Martinez from Aston Villa, but what does that mean for Chelsea’s current group of goalkeepers ahead of the deadline?
A bargain fee of £7.5m has been agreed between Chelsea and Villa, and the 2022 World Cup winner is expected to complete a move to Stamford Bridge over the weekend. A real coup for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Going into the summer, fans wanted a new goalkeeper due to the constant string of mistakes made by Robert Sanchez. However, signing a new goalkeeper meant blocking Mike Penders’ path into the team.
It is likely to have been the reason behind Alonso starting with Sanchez at Fulham. But the Spaniard made two dismal mistakes during the 3-2 win, and Alonso has pounced, luring Martinez to West London.
Chelsea’s Penders stance revealed as Martinez arrives
The signing of Martinez means Penders would officially become third-choice goalkeeper, unless Alonso has decided to instantly promote the Belgian above former Brighton stopper Sanchez since Fulham.
Chelsea v Luton Town - Carabao Cup Second Round
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Obviously, either Sanchez or Penders need to depart. According to Flash Scores, Chelsea remain intent on assuring Penders that his breakthrough into the first XI remains a very achievable prospect in due course.
They reported, amid the imminent signing of Martinez from Villa: “They do not want the arrival of another goalkeeper to damage his development or convince him that there is no route into the first team.”
Bad news for Sanchez; he’s the odd one out
Chelsea are signing Martinez to instantly bolster their starting XI, while still maintaining the belief that Penders will one day become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. It leaves Sanchez by the wayside.
Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
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While the deadline for this weekend’s games has passed, and Sanchez is likely to start against his old side Brighton on Sunday, it could well be his final match for the Blues. Martinez will replace him once signed.
Penders will remain on the bench to remind the Belgian he is firmly in Chelsea’s long-term plans. It will leave Sanchez either on the sidelines at Chelsea, or the Spaniard will have to find a very late move.
Has Sanchez been linked with any new clubs this summer?
It is ironic that during the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, Sanchez heaped enormous praise on Penders. He probably knew the day would eventually come, when he would be replaced and sidelined.
Mike Penders and Robert Sanchez at Chelsea
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There have been no strong links between Sanchez and new clubs since the window opened, but there have been murmurs of interest from the Saudi Pro League. That feels like a quick and easy move.
A return to Spain could also be on the cards, but Chelsea may have to accept a loan given the financial position of most Spanish clubs. Ultimately, Sanchez needs to leave before the deadline this summer.