Dibu Martínez to Chelsea: £7.5m deal takes shape as deadline approaches

The deal took a decisive turn within forty-eight hours. On Wednesday, representatives for Emiliano Martínez approached Chelsea to propose a move for the Argentine goalkeeper. On Thursday, the two clubs reached an agreement worth around £7.5 million for his transfer.

The player must now undergo his medical before finalising his move to Stamford Bridge. At 33, Martínez is expected to sign a two-year contract, with an option allowing Chelsea to extend the deal by a further season. The deal is therefore not yet officially completed until the final formalities are concluded.

Why such a low fee

The size of the deal is surprising. It is mainly explained by the goalkeeper's situation at Aston Villa. The Birmingham club signed Zion Suzuki from Parma for close to £30 million, and the Japan international is now set to become the club's number one.

Martínez had also expressed a wish to take on a new challenge, while a move to Juventus had failed to materialise earlier in the transfer window. The Argentine goalkeeper had also been left out of the Aston Villa squad for the opening Premier League match against Brighton, which the Seagulls won 4-0.

An accelerated need at Chelsea

At Chelsea, the need has become clearer in recent days. Robert Sánchez delivered a heavily criticised performance in the 3-2 win over Fulham, bearing responsibility for both goals conceded. That performance helped speed up the London club's thinking on the goalkeeping position.

For Xabi Alonso, Martínez's arrival would above all bring considerable experience. World champion with Argentina in 2022, twice winner of the Yashin Trophy and renowned for his effectiveness in penalty shoot-outs, the goalkeeper has experience of high-pressure occasions that Chelsea can now add to their squad.

A gamble that is not without risk

The gamble does, however, carry an element of risk. Martínez will turn 34 in September, and his outspoken character has already sparked numerous controversies during his career. His arrival will obviously not solve Chelsea's defensive problems on its own.

But at £7.5 million, in the final days of the transfer window, Chelsea are getting themselves an experienced solution at a relatively limited cost. All that remains now is for the medical to be completed and the final formalities finalised before the move is made official.