Chelsea contacts Aston Villa over goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

Chelsea is reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Aston Villa's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, with the London club having already made contact with the Argentine international's representatives. The 33-year-old goalkeeper is said to be available for a potential transfer from Villa.

This interest comes in the wake of Aston Villa's acquisition of Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for approximately 30 million pounds earlier this month. Martinez's potential move to Chelsea could also signify a strengthening of transfer ties between the two clubs, following Chelsea's record signing of Morgan Rogers from Villa for 117 million pounds and Alejandro Garnacho's loan move in the opposite direction.

Concerns over the performance of Chelsea's current first-choice goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, appear to be a driving factor behind the pursuit of Martinez. Sanchez has faced scrutiny after conceding goals from a corner kick and a subsequent loose ball in Chelsea's opening Premier League match against Fulham, which they ultimately won 3-2.

Despite these concerns, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso indicated that backup goalkeeper Mike Penders might start in an upcoming Carabao Cup match. The club is also reportedly open to striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at around 65 million pounds, joining Aston Villa, which would reunite him with former manager Unai Emery. The clubs have previously engaged in transfers described as a "PSR swap," involving players like Ian Maatsen and Omari Kellyman.