Chelsea agree £7.5m fee for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for a fee of £7.5 million. The 33-year-old Argentina international is expected to undergo a medical in London shortly.

The move comes as a direct response to concerns regarding the form of current first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Sanchez's performance in Monday's 3-2 victory against Fulham, where he committed two notable errors, accelerated the club's decision to seek reinforcements in goal.

Aston Villa had been prepared to part ways with Martinez after securing Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for approximately £30 million earlier this month. Earlier in the transfer window, Juventus attempted to sign the goalkeeper, but that deal collapsed due to concerns over a finger injury.

This transfer continues the frequent business between the two clubs. Chelsea have previously signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a record fee and were involved in a 'PSR swap' deal involving Ian Maatsen. Meanwhile, striker Nicolas Jackson is currently completing a medical at Villa Park to facilitate his move to the Midlands.