Chelsea Handed Major Goalkeeper Decision As Xabi Alonso Eyes Robert Sanchez Replacement | OneFootball

As one Argentine potentially arrives, another - Enzo Fernandez - could be leaving Chelsea.

Despite numerous reports that Chelsea were not looking for a goalkeeper this summer, a potential opportunity may have arisen in the final days of the transfer window, leaving the London club with an important decision to make.

Chelsea have addressed the defence, midfield and attack, and it now looks like the Blues could turn their attention to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The Argentine’s days look to be numbered at Villa Park, as the Villans recently signed Japanese international Zion Suzuki.

The World Cup star had attracted high interest from a host of clubs, including European champions Paris Saint-Germain, but eventually settled on a move to the Premier League for a fee in the region of £30 million.

Martinez had been on the verge of joining Serie A side Juventus earlier this month, but talks broke down between the two clubs, making the former World Cup winner available on the transfer market. Reports say Aston Villa's asking price is €10m.

Now, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Martinez by the player’s representatives, with the west London club considering the possibility.

Chelsea have a critical decision to make. Despite ruling out a goalkeeper during pre-season and standing by both Robert Sanchez and highly rated Mike Penders, multiple reports state that both the 33-year-old and Chelsea are open to a move.

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph report that Alonso is prioritising a new number one goalkeeper before Tuesday's deadline.

Why Chelsea might be looking for a new goalkeeper

There is little doubt that Chelsea have been left short of quality in goal over the last couple of years. Despite Sanchez taking the reins as number one since signing in 2023 to replace both Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga, it has never felt like he is truly the long-term option at Stamford Bridge.

During Chelsea’s 3-2 victory over Fulham in the Premier League on Monday night, further question marks were raised over the Spaniard’s future, with his performance once again posing a potential weakness to the Chelsea backline.

The 28-year-old, who signed from Brighton and Hove Albion for a fee of around £25m, has been a hit-and-miss figure with supporters at both Stamford Bridge and away grounds, with fans still yet to be convinced by what he offers.

At a crucial time in the rebuild, with calmness needing to be a factor, you can see why new manager Alonso would want a new goalkeeper. The addition of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea’s leadership team alongside Reece James, Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro can all change matches with their ability and cohesion, but if you have a goalkeeper who carries a degree of nervousness, it can quickly spread across the pitch.

Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher were vocal following the victory on Monday night, believing the Blues would never be title winners with Sanchez in goal, branding it “impossible”. Neville also believes Alonso has to ‘protect himself’, as his job is to deliver success at Chelsea, seemingly making it increasingly difficult without an established number one.

Given the experience that Chelsea have already added this summer by signing both Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, adding Martinez seems a no-brainer. During his time with Aston Villa, he has proven to be experienced in the Premier League, made multiple Champions League appearances, and, of course, has the rare distinction of being a World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

Chelsea and Aston Villa are known to have a great relationship, and following multiple deals between the two clubs, the latest being a club-record fee for Morgan Rogers, costing £117m, and Alejandro Garnacho going in the other direction on an initial loan, business looks set to continue.

Talks for Nicolas Jackson look set to accelerate, whilst other reports have linked Tosin Adarabioyo as a potential replacement for Ezri Konsa.