Aston Villa expert backs Emiliano Martinez to solve Chelsea goalkeeper problem

Chelsea are signing one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers in Emiliano Martinez, according to former Aston Villa scout and goalkeeper Bryan King.

The Blues have agreed a £7.5million deal for the 33-year-old Argentina international, with Xabi Alonso moving for an experienced alternative to Robert Sanchez after an unconvincing start to the season.

Martinez had previously appeared destined for Juventus but is now set to leave Villa Park, where Zion Suzuki is expected to become Unai Emery’s new first-choice goalkeeper.

Chelsea initially appeared prepared to continue with Sanchez as their number one this season.

However, his mistakes contributed to two Fulham goals during Chelsea's opening Premier League fixture and prompted the club to act.

King believes Martinez provides exactly the type of reliable presence Chelsea require.

“What Tottenham and Chelsea need now is a steadying figure at the back,” King told Football Insider. “You don’t want goalkeepers who are going to give goals away.”

The former Villa scout was particularly critical of Sanchez's inconsistency, describing some of his goalkeeping as “very erratic”.

By comparison, he remains convinced Martinez belongs among the Premier League's elite.

“I can tell you that Martinez is probably still one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League,” King added.

Martinez's expected arrival represents another departure from the youth-focused recruitment strategy Chelsea have largely followed since BlueCo's takeover in 2022.

Alonso has overseen the addition of considerably more experience this summer.

Danny Welbeck, 35, Jordan Henderson, 36, and Pep Chavarria, 28, have already joined, while Martinez will bring further leadership and extensive Premier League experience.

The Argentine is also a World Cup winner and has spent several years as one of Villa's most important players.

His arrival could allow Mike Penders to leave on loan after the young goalkeeper impressed during his spell at Strasbourg last season.

Losing Martinez represents another major change for Emery after a summer in which several important Villa players have departed.

Emery previously described Martinez as “the best goalkeeper in the world” and praised his commitment to Aston Villa when the goalkeeper remained at the club despite uncertainty over his future in 2025.

That situation has now changed, with Martinez keen to move on and Chelsea providing his next destination.

Villa have prepared for his departure by positioning Suzuki to take over as their number one.

For Chelsea, meanwhile, the relatively modest £7.5m fee could prove excellent business if Martinez provides the consistency and authority Alonso wants at the back.

Chelsea will look to finalise Martinez's arrival and integrate him into Alonso's squad, with the Argentine expected to challenge immediately for the number-one position.

His arrival could also clear the way for Penders to secure another loan move, while Villa will begin a new era in goal with Suzuki expected to take over from their long-serving Argentine.