Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been offered to Chelsea, according to The Athletic.
The Argentina international’s representatives have formally approached Stamford Bridge executives to gauge their interest in a deal.
Villa are open to sanctioning the departure of their long-serving goalkeeper after a major reshuffle, following their €35 million investment to sign Zion Suzuki from Parma.
Manager Unai Emery has installed the Japanese international as Villa’s new first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026/27 season.
This leaves Martinez facing an unfamiliar back-up role, prompting the club to facilitate a transfer to manage their wage bill and avoid squad friction.
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper had previously expressed a desire for a new challenge.
A proposed move to Juventus collapsed earlier in the window when they failed to meet Villa’s financial demands.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Martinez’s representatives are actively canvassing top European clubs, presenting Chelsea with a rare opportunity to land a proven goalkeeper.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping department is widely considered a weak spot. Current number one, Robert Sanchez, struggled in Monday’s 3-2 victory at Fulham.
Martinez has become one of the Premier League’s most commanding goalkeepers since joining Villa from Arsenal in 2020, playing a key role in their consistent European qualification.
His elite shot-stopping and vocal leadership would give Chelsea an authoritative presence between the posts.
While Chelsea have not yet submitted a formal bid to Villa, internal discussions continue as they weigh up the deal’s financial and sporting merits.
With Villa eager to resolve Martinez’s future, talks between Stamford Bridge chiefs and the player’s representatives could accelerate quickly as the transfer window draws to a close.
