Chelsea agree bargain Martinez transfer deal as Alonso makes ruthless decision

Chelsea have moved to address their goalkeeping woes by agreeing a deal to sign Aston Villa star Emi Martinez for a bargain £7.5million. Martinez, 33, is set to become Xabi Alonso's No.1 days after Robert Sanchez's error-laden performance in their opening Premier League game away to Fulham.

The Blues ran out 3-2 winners on Monday night thanks to an impressive attacking display, but Sanchez was culpable for both goals which they conceded. Alonso has now made a ruthless decision and opted to sign a goalkeeper with five days left of the summer transfer window.

Multiple reports say that Chelsea and Villa have agreed a deal worth up to £7.5m for Martinez. The Argentine is poised to sign a two-year contract which includes the option of a further 12 months.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson will go the other way in a separate deal worth an initial £47.5m plus £17.5m in potential add-ons. It's been a summer of change at Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins also on the verge of a £50m move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Villa have already sold Lucas Digne, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa for a combined £214.5m.

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Before Martinez's impending arrival, Alonso opted to start 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders in Thursday's Carabao Cup second-round tie at home to Luton. The Chelsea boss is expected to face questions regarding Martinez after the match.

Sanchez, 28, has faced regular criticism since his £25m move from Brighton in 2023. Chelsea have signed a hoard of goalkeepers since, with the Spaniard coming in an out of the starting XI under various managers.

Alonso defended Sanchez in the aftermath of Monday's victory, saying: "It's about the team, it's not about the individual. The first goal, we can do better to defend, we can do better to avoid, but it's part of the game. We need to accept and to learn. This is going to be a process.

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"All the lines, from the strikers, the midfielders, the defence, the goalkeepers, we want to do better in everything. The goal was to start good, and we've been able to start well. Relax and carry on."

But the imminent signing of Martinez is proof that Alonso isn't convinced that Sanchez is the right man for his first season at Stamford Bridge. Juventus were linked with the former Arsenal shot-stopper earlier this summer, with Villa signing Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30m in preparation for his departure.

Although Juventus opted for Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario instead, Villa still brought in Suzuki. The Japan international, 24, is yet to make his debut for Villa, having been on the bench in their 4-0 loss away to Brighton.

Martinez brings serious pedigree to Chelsea, who've brought in two other experienced players - Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck - since Alonso was appointed in June. The 33-year-old recently helped Argentina reach a second consecutive World Cup final after starring in the 2022 edition and was key to Villa winning the Europa League last season.

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