Chelsea have reached a £7.5m agreement to recruit Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, while they anticipate an approach from Manchester City for Enzo Fernández within the next two days.
Xabi Alonso made the addition of a new goalkeeper a priority following Robert Sánchez’s difficult performance against Fulham on Monday. Negotiations for Martínez progressed rapidly after the Argentina international fell down the pecking order at Villa following the arrival of Zion Suzuki. He is expected to agree to a two-year contract that includes an option for another season.
Martínez, who turns 34 next week, could place Sánchez’s future at the club in doubt. People familiar with the situation believe the Spanish goalkeeper may be unwilling to remain as a backup, meaning Chelsea could seek a move for him before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening.
Finding a suitable destination for Sánchez may prove difficult. Chelsea must also decide how to manage Mike Penders, who had been expected to compete for the starting position this season. The club could send the highly regarded 21-year-old Belgian out on loan again after he spent the previous campaign with Strasbourg.
Chelsea are preparing for a hectic conclusion to the summer window as they also respond to City’s interest in Fernández. The Argentina midfielder wants to depart and was not included in the team for Thursday evening’s Carabao Cup match against Luton.
Chelsea sources maintain that an agreement remains some distance away and say City have not yet made direct contact. The club insist Fernández will leave only under conditions they consider acceptable. City failed to meet an informal deadline to complete a £120m transfer earlier this month, and Chelsea may now demand an even larger fee with the window nearing its end.
Chelsea also want enough time and money to improve their own squad. They know Bournemouth are reluctant to part with Alex Scott and Crystal Palace are equally determined to retain Adam Wharton, while Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara is another possible option. Chelsea may not pursue a like-for-like successor to Fernández, but they do not intend to weaken their squad merely to benefit a rival.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, have completed the free signing of Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka following his exit from Bayern Munich. The 31-year-old made 312 appearances during eight seasons with the German club and has represented his country 73 times.
Goretzka said an extended break gave him time to consider the next stage of his career and that he felt positive about the move from the outset. His initial discussion with the coach strengthened that impression, and he described Aston Villa as a major club where he hopes to contribute his extensive experience and help the team fulfil its ambitions.
He also expressed excitement about taking part in important matches every few days, identifying that demanding schedule as one of the main differences from the Bundesliga, where high-profile fixtures occur less frequently.
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