Chelsea have agreed to sign Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million ($10.2m), sources confirmed to ESPN's James Olley. The 33-year-old will join on a two-year deal, ending his six-year stay at Villa. The move accelerated after Chelsea were offered the chance to sign Martínez by his representatives, with Villa having already signed Japan international Zion Suzuki as a replacement.

Chelsea's goalkeeping situation came under scrutiny following Robert Sánchez's poor performance in Monday's 3-2 win against Fulham, where he was at fault for a goal. While 19-year-old Mike Penders was hoped to challenge Sánchez, the club opted for an established Premier League and international goalkeeper. Martínez was key to Argentina's 2022 World Cup win and this summer's Copa América runner-up finish.

Sánchez's form has been an issue for successive Chelsea managers, including Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca, and Liam Rosenior. Villa, who lost 4-0 to Brighton in their opener, face Arsenal on Monday without key players from last season: Martínez, Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Youri Tielemans (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), and Ollie Watkins (reportedly Saudi Arabia). Lucas Digne also joined PSG.

Villa manager Unai Emery said the club remains calm despite annual summer departures.