Chelsea agree deal to sign Argentine star

Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Aston Villa for the transfer of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues started their Premier League season with a 3-2 win over Fulham on the road, but questions were raised about Robert Sanchez's performance between the sticks.

Sanchez has been prone to goalkeeping errors and the Spaniard made yet another blunder. Manager Xabi Alonso has now decided to replace him with a new shot-stopper.

A deal worth £7.5m has been finalised with Villa for the services of Martinez. The World Cup winner will make the switch in the coming days, with personal terms agreed.

Martinez has been a fantastic servant for Villa for the past six years but has chosen to pursue a new challenge after the Midlands outfit signed Zion Suzuki for the number 1 role.

Martinez is widely expected to take over the gloves from Sanchez. It could happen next month when the Blues face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.