Chelsea make contact over possible move for Villa keeper Martinez

Chelsea have made contact with representatives of Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, exploring a potential move for the 33-year-old.

Martinez became available for a transfer after Villa signed Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m earlier this month.

Close ties between the clubs

A deal for Martinez could mark another transaction between two clubs with an established close relationship. Chelsea previously signed forward Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa in the opposite direction on an initial loan.

Striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65m, is also reportedly a candidate to join Villa, where he would reunite with former manager Unai Emery. The two clubs were previously involved in a deal widely described as a "PSR swap," in which defender Ian Maatsen joined Villa while Omari Kellyman, now at Strasbourg, moved to Chelsea.

Juventus deal collapsed

Earlier in the transfer window, Juventus attempted to sign Martinez, but the move fell through due to concerns over a finger injury. Juventus instead signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.

The interest in Martinez comes amid scrutiny of current Chelsea number one Robert Sanchez. Sanchez was beaten at his near post by a Josh King shot in Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham and later allowed a spilled save to lead to a goal for Gonzalo Garcia, though Chelsea still won the match 3-2 at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea next face Luton Town in the Carabao Cup. Manager Xabi Alonso has said number two goalkeeper Mike Penders, who joined following a successful loan spell at Strasbourg, could start that match on Thursday.