Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for 7.5 million pounds ($10.2 million), with the Argentina international set to move to Stamford Bridge on a two-year contract, the Press Association understands.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper's six-year spell at Villa is coming to an end after negotiations accelerated rapidly following contact between his representatives and Chelsea on Wednesday.
Martinez is expected to challenge for, and potentially take over, the starting goalkeeper position as Chelsea look to strengthen an area that has come under increasing scrutiny.
The move follows a difficult period for Robert Sanchez, whose position as Chelsea's No. 1 has been questioned repeatedly. Sanchez was heavily criticized after Monday's 3-2 victory over Fulham when he allowed a tame Josh King effort to slip through his hands and into the net.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was particularly blunt in his assessment on Sky Sports, saying Chelsea would not win the Premier League with Sanchez in goal.
Gary Neville, also appearing on the broadcast, said goalkeeper was the final major position Chelsea needed to address during the transfer window.
Sanchez's inconsistency has been a recurring issue under several Chelsea managers. Mauricio Pochettino dropped him as his first-choice goalkeeper in 2024 in favor of Serbia international Djordje Petrovic, while Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior have also left Sanchez out at various stages because of poor form.
Chelsea had hoped 19-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders could eventually provide competition for the position. Penders spent last season on loan at Strasbourg before making his Chelsea first-team debut against Luton in the League Cup on Thursday.
But Martinez offers something Penders cannot yet provide: Premier League experience, international pedigree and a proven record at the highest level.
The Argentina goalkeeper joined Villa from Arsenal for 17 million pounds in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the club's most important players. He helped Villa secure Champions League qualification and became a key figure for Argentina, winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles.
His departure marks a significant change for Villa, who have been prepared to sell the veteran as part of an effort to lower the average age of their squad.
Villa had already strengthened their goalkeeping options by signing Japan international Zion Suzuki earlier in the transfer window. Martinez was also the subject of interest from Juventus, but a proposed move to the Italian club collapsed earlier this month.
Villa's decision to part with Martinez also comes amid continued pressure to generate transfer revenue and remain compliant with UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.
The club have already made major sales this summer, including Morgan Rogers' 117 million-pound move to Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have also left.