Aston Villa goalkeeping expert drops verdict on Chelsea signing Emiliano Martinez
Chelsea will be gaining one of the Premier League's best goalkeepers when they complete their move for Aston Villa stopper Emiliano Martinez.
That is the opinion of former senior Villa scout and goalkeeper, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The Blues have agreed a £7.5million for the Argentine number one, who had looked set to join Juventus earlier this summer.
Martinez has been keen to leave Villa for some time now and has now got his wish, with Zion Suzuki set to take over as Unai Emery's number one.
Chelsea had looked set to stick with Roberto Sanchez, but leaped into action after his mistakes led to two goals in their opening game against Fulham.
Martinez's arrival should open the door for Mike Penders to leave on loan, after he enjoyed a fantastic season for Strasbourg in the last campaign.
Chelsea needed a 'steadying figure'
Since their takeover of Chelsea in 2022, BlueCo has been constantly accused of filling their ranks with too many young players.
The Blues have signed youngster after youngster, undoubtedly resulting in a machine that has produced profit in some cases, but also one that has failed to build a successful team.
Xabi Alonso's appointment has seen that strategy finally altered. 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, 36-year-old Jordan Henderson and 28-year-old Pep Chavarria have all arrived this summer to bring quality and experience.
33-year-old Martinez is now set to join them, and he will be a certain needle mover.
"What Tottenham and Chelsea need now is a steadying figure at the back. You don't want goalkeepers who are going to give goals away," King told Football Insider.
"And to be fair to Chelsea, one minute it looks as though they're cruising. The next minute, boy hits a shot on the angle. It beats him [Sanchez] on the near post.
"You know, some of his goalkeeping is very erratic. I mean, it really is. So, I would have certainly been looking, and no matter who you look at, I can tell you that Martinez is probably still one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League."
What has Unai Emery said about Emi Martinez?
Emery has taken many blows with the losses of key players this summer, and few will have hurt more than Martinez's exit.
"Everything happens with players - maybe staying, maybe they were close to leaving, maybe other players were close to others or to join us," he said in September 2025. "It's normal.
"I understand it completely, everything. Staying here is good news - I am so, so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world and his commitment to Aston Villa is massive.
"He is always training to be his best, respecting Aston Villa. Some circumstances happen. Everyone is happy and the energy today was very good. Emi is happy and now he knows his challenge is with Aston Villa and his national team."