Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is on the verge of completing a £7.5 million move to Chelsea, with a medical examination now scheduled ahead of the transfer deadline.

Chelsea are eager to secure a new goalkeeper before Tuesday's transfer window closes, and Martinez has emerged as their primary target. The deal is set to include a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months.

A decorated career between the sticks

Martinez, 33, has established himself as one of the most decorated goalkeepers in world football. He lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 — famously producing a string of crucial saves in the final's dying seconds — and has twice been recognised as the best goalkeeper on the planet.

He represented Argentina at this past summer's World Cup despite playing through the tournament with a broken finger, a testament to his determination and standing within the squad.

His journey to the top was far from straightforward. After spending eight years at Arsenal — including six loan spells — Martinez finally earned his breakthrough during the Covid-affected 2020 season. That form persuaded Aston Villa to sign him permanently, and he went on to make 256 appearances for the club, playing a pivotal role in their UEFA Europa League triumph last season.

Chelsea's goalkeeping concerns

New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso began the season with Robert Sanchez as his first-choice goalkeeper and Mike Penders as backup. However, Sanchez's position came under serious scrutiny after he made two costly errors in Chelsea's 3-2 Premier League win over Fulham on Monday — mistakes that nearly allowed their London rivals to snatch a result. Sanchez has been error-prone since his £25 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023.

Penders was subsequently handed a start in Thursday's Carabao Cup fixture against Luton, with Sanchez dropping to the bench — a clear signal that Alonso is unconvinced by his current options.

Reunited with Argentina teammates

Martinez's arrival at Stamford Bridge would see him link up with his Argentina international teammates Enzo Fernandez and Valentin Barco. However, Fernandez's future at the club remains uncertain, with a potential move to Manchester City reported before the window shuts.

Despite Champions League football remaining on offer at Aston Villa under Unai Emery — who moved to reinforce the goalkeeping position by signing Zion Suzuki for £30 million — Martinez made clear his desire to leave Villa Park this season. Chelsea appear ready to give him that fresh start.