Chelsea have opened talks with Aston Villa over a move for Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as the London club look to strengthen their goalkeeping options before the transfer window closes.According to ESPN, citing a source, Chelsea have already made an offer to Villa for the experienced goalkeeper.Chelsea’s concerns over their goalkeeping department have grown following recent performances by Robert Sanchez. The Spaniard made several errors during Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat to Fulham on Monday, prompting the club to explore alternatives.Chelsea had initially considered 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, as a possible alternative to Sanchez. However, Martinez’s extensive Premier League experience and success at international level have now made him a preferred target.Villa, meanwhile, are understood to be open to letting Martinez leave after signing Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The club reportedly sees Suzuki as a potential long-term first-choice goalkeeper and is also looking to reduce the average age of its squad.Selling Martinez would also allow Villa to generate funds as they work to comply with UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.Martinez joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 for £17 million. Since then, he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dependable goalkeepers.He was a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and has remained an important part of the national team.Villa looking to raise fundsPlayer sales have become increasingly important for Villa during this transfer window as the club faces pressure to comply with financial regulations.Villa sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117 million, while Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne could also leave the club.Chelsea’s need for a more reliable goalkeeper and Villa’s willingness to consider Martinez’s departure could help push the negotiations forward.If the two clubs reach an agreement before the transfer deadline, Martinez could begin the new season as Chelsea’s latest high-profile addition between the posts.
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