Argentina keeper Martinez in Chelsea

English Premier League club Chelsea have signed Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for a fee of £7.5 million.

The 33-year-old veteran goalkeeper will join the London club after completing his medical in the UK capital.

The move follows growing concerns over the performance of Chelsea's primary goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez. Sanchez faced criticism for several errors during Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday.

Sanchez has served as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper since 2023. However, during the Fulham match, he let a shot from Josh King slip through his hands at the near post. In the second half, Sanchez failed to control another ball, allowing striker Gonzalo Garcia to score from close range. Following these mistakes, Chelsea management decided to strengthen the position.

Chelsea also signed goalkeeper Mike Penders from Genk for £17 million. Penders could make his debut against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.

Aston Villa expressed interest in selling Martinez after securing Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Chelsea and Aston Villa have engaged in several high-profile transfers recently. Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho joined Villa on an initial loan deal last month.

Additionally, striker Nicolas Jackson underwent a medical at Villa on Thursday ahead of a proposed £65 million move. The transfer will reunite him with former Villarreal manager Unai Emery.

Juventus previously attempted to sign Martinez earlier in the transfer window. However, concerns regarding a finger injury halted the transaction. The Italian club subsequently signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.