Published on Jun 27, 2025
Chelsea have officially joined the race to sign , with head coach Enzo Maresca making the Aston Villa star a top summer transfer target. The Argentine international, currently valued at around $50 million, is now at the center of one of the Premier League’s hottest goalkeeper transfer sagas.
The Blues struggled with consistency between the posts last season. Neither Robert Sanchez nor D. Petrovic managed to lock down the No. 1 spot, prompting Maresca and his staff particularly assistant coach Willy Caballero to push for a proven shot-stopper. Martínez, a 2022 World Cup winner, fits the profile perfectly.
Sources close to the club suggest Maresca has personally requested the board to make a serious move for Martínez. His leadership, elite reflexes, and experience in high-pressure matches make him a standout candidate to lead Chelsea’s defensive rebuild.
Despite Chelsea’s interest, Manchester United remain the player’s preferred destination, and they’ve already established contact with his representatives. United are expected to sell André Onana this summer, potentially clearing the path for Martínez to step in as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper.
If Chelsea want to win the race, they’ll need to act fast and potentially outbid their Premier League rivals.
Aston Villa, who narrowly missed out on a top-four finish last season, are believed to be open to selling Martínez for a fee in the region of $50 million, especially if they need to balance finances ahead of a Europa League campaign. Villa’s willingness to negotiate opens the door for a transfer battle between the Premier League ’s heavyweights.
At 32, Martínez brings a unique blend of experience and hunger. He’s fresh off a strong season with Villa, and his World Cup heroics remain fresh in the minds of fans and scouts alike. For Chelsea, his arrival would signal the end of a transitional period in goal and the start of a more secure era.
With Chelsea now officially in the race, and Manchester United maintaining interest, the coming weeks could bring a bidding war. If Martínez decides to prioritize first-team football over sentiment, Chelsea’s project under Maresca might just be enough to lure him to Stamford Bridge.
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