Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has arrived in London to complete his move to Chelsea after the two clubs agreed on a £7.5 million transfer fee.
The Argentina international, 33, is expected to undergo a medical.
The move comes as Chelsea seek to strengthen their goalkeeping department following concerns over the performances of first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea’s decision to sign Martinez follows Monday’s 3-2 victory over Fulham, where Sanchez came under scrutiny for two costly errors.
Sanchez allowed Josh King’s effort to slip through his grasp at the near post before spilling another shot into a dangerous area in the second half.
Gonzalo Garcia capitalised on the mistake to score for Chelsea.
Sanchez has been Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper since joining the club in 2023. However, the club’s hierarchy has now opted to bring in Martinez just days before the transfer deadline.
The move represents a significant change in Chelsea’s stance towards Sanchez, who had previously received the club’s backing.
Martinez is expected to provide competition and experience in Chelsea’s goalkeeping department.
The Argentine goalkeeper has established himself as one of the leading goalkeepers in world football and was instrumental in Argentina’s recent international success.
Chelsea also have Mike Penders, who joined from Genk for £17 million, among their goalkeeping options.
Penders is expected to make his Chelsea debut in the Carabao Cup against Luton Town on Thursday night.
Villa have been willing to part ways with Martinez after signing Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for about £30 million earlier this month.
Martinez’s departure would bring an end to his spell at Villa, where he became a key player and one of the club’s most recognisable stars.
His move to Chelsea is also the latest in a series of deals between the two clubs.
Chelsea previously signed forward Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal last month.
Striker Nicolas Jackson was also completing a medical at Villa Park on Thursday ahead of a move to reunite with his former Villarreal manager, Unai Emery.
Chelsea and Villa have developed a close working relationship in the transfer market in recent years.
The two clubs were also involved in a deal described as a ‘PSR swap’, which saw defender Ian Maatsen join Villa while Omari Kellyman, who is now at Strasbourg, moved to Chelsea.
Martinez had attracted interest from Juventus earlier in the transfer window.
However, the Italian club abandoned the move after concerns emerged over a finger injury.
Juventus subsequently signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.
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