Chelsea have made contact with the representatives of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as the club weighs up a potential transfer move for the Argentina international.

Martinez, 33, is considered available after Villa secured a replacement between the posts, signing Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for approximately £30 million earlier this month.

A growing relationship between two clubs

The potential move for Martinez would deepen what is already a busy period of business between Chelsea and Villa. Chelsea confirmed the signing of forward Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan arrangement.

Striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65 million, is also being linked with a switch to Villa Park, where he would be reunited with former manager Unai Emery.

The two clubs have developed a close working relationship in recent transfer windows, notably through the deal widely referred to as a "PSR swap" — defender Ian Maatsen headed to Villa while Omari Kellyman, now at Strasbourg, joined Chelsea.

Juventus move collapsed over injury concerns

Martinez had been the subject of serious interest from Juventus earlier in the window, but that deal fell apart over concerns relating to a finger injury. The Italian club subsequently moved to sign Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.

Sanchez under scrutiny at Stamford Bridge

The reported pursuit of Martinez comes as Chelsea's current number one, Robert Sanchez, faces questions over his form. In the opening Premier League match against Fulham at Craven Cottage, Sanchez was beaten at his near post by an angled Josh King effort. He later spilled a shot into a dangerous area, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to capitalise — though Chelsea ultimately claimed the points with a 3-2 victory.

Chelsea now prepare for a Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town, and manager Xabi Alonso has indicated that number two goalkeeper Mike Penders could be handed a start on Thursday. Penders joined Chelsea following an impressive loan stint at Strasbourg.