Chelsea is set to acquire goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa in a transfer reportedly valued at £7.5 million. The Argentine shot-stopper has become surplus to requirements at Villa following the club’s recent signing of Zion Suzuki from Parma.

Martinez’s departure is expected to be part of a broader reshaping of Aston Villa’s squad as the club seeks to reduce its wage commitments. Alongside Martinez, Lucas Digne, Ollie Watkins, and Youri Tielemans—four of Villa’s highest-earning players—are also anticipated to leave before the close of the current transfer window.

This streamlining of Villa’s payroll is intended to create financial flexibility for new acquisitions, including Leon Goretzka, who was signed recently, and Nicolas Jackson, whose transfer is reportedly nearing completion. Additionally, Aston Villa remains interested in securing the services of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao. However, their financial proposal to Leao is reportedly significantly lower than that offered by Turkish side Galatasaray. Villa are hopeful that the appeal of playing in the English Premier League will influence Leao’s decision in their favor.

The transfer window is approaching its final stages, and Villa’s strategy indicates a focus on balancing the squad’s competitiveness with financial prudence. Chelsea, by acquiring Martinez, aims to strengthen their goalkeeping options as they prepare for the upcoming season.