Sunday Gossip: Chelsea Step Up Martinez Pursuit as Villa Plan £45m Sale to Ease PSR Pressure
Chelsea have been offered Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in a £45 million deal as the Midlands club look to raise funds to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
With Villa under pressure to offload assets before the transfer window closes, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper is emerging as a top candidate for a high-profile move.
The 32-year-old has also attracted interest from Manchester United, but a move to Old Trafford depends on United finding a buyer for under-fire shot-stopper Andre Onana, who is valued at £35 million.
According to Mirror, insiders in South America claim Martinez would favour a switch to United, although Chelsea now lead the race, with first-choice target Maresca keen to address weaknesses in goal.
Martinez, a standout at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and key to Villa’s recent rise, is said to be admired by Chelsea assistant coach Willy Caballero.
The Blues are unconvinced by Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen following inconsistent form last season and are looking to secure a commanding presence between the posts ahead of the new campaign.
Villa, reluctant to sell rising star Morgan Rogers, are instead exploring replacements for Martinez.
Royal Antwerp’s 22-year-old Senne Lammens tops their watchlist—but with competition from Manchester United, a deal may prove complicated.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are nearing a deal for Burnley’s James Trafford, despite the Clarets placing a £40 million valuation on the England Under-21 international.
The Magpies previously had a £17 million bid rejected and face additional costs due to a sell-on clause owed to Manchester City.
Leeds United are tracking the developments closely as they seek to lure Nick Pope from Newcastle. The experienced England international stirred speculation after posting “see you soon” on Trafford’s Instagram story.
Burnley, in anticipation of a possible exit, have signed 21-year-old German keeper Max Weiss from Karlsruher, but manager Scott Parker is expected to push for a more experienced replacement.
