Xabi Alonso: Goalkeeper, now! – Aston Villa: Here, take Emi

Xabi Alonso joined Chelsea just about two months ago, and many things are undoubtedly still vague to him. However, after his Premier League debut in the Blues' dugout against Fulham last Monday, one fact must be crystal clear to him – he needs a new goalkeeper.Chelsea narrowly beat the city rivals 3-2, with both Cottagers goals coming as a result of Robert Sanchez's poor reactions. With Maxence Lacroix, Alonso's team gained stability at the back. Now, they need a strong figure between the posts who exudes confidence.Chelsea's "bomb squad" is no more: Last cast-off leaves Stamford BridgeSanchez apparently isn't the right option, nor is his understudy Mike Penders. The Dutchman is the Blues' important prospect, but he is only 21, and it would be a mistake to hand him the starting spot after just two full seasons in senior football.That's why Chelsea are in pursuit of a new custodian, while also racing against time given that the transfer window is closing soon – a race Aston Villa could help them win.According to The Athletic and their most renowned transfer insider, David Ornstein, the Birmingham club has offered its keeper Emiliano Martinez to the Blues.🚨🔵 Chelsea are in negotiations with Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez camp over possible late move.The Argentinian goalkeeper has been offered to #CFC as Suzuki will be the starting GK at Villa, as @David_Ornstein reports.Talks ongoing; Chelsea considering this option. Dibu, keen. pic.twitter.com/NjziiInxZ4— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2026 The Villans seem keen to finally offload the Argentine, who has tried to leave Villa Park for the second consecutive June transfer window.Last year, he was close to joining Manchester United, which eventually opted for Senne Lammens. Martinez stayed in Birmingham, got another chance in goal, won the UEFA Europa League, and, once the season ended, again tried to push for a move, this time to Juventus.Nevertheless, the Bianconeri chose Guglielmo Vicario over Emi, leaving him high and dry.To make matters worse, the Villans exploited Zion Suzuki's failed transfer to Paris Saint-Germain to sign the Japanese as their future first-choice keeper.Villa bid for Mateta, eye LeaoIn their Premier League opener, Marco Bizot was in goal, which further fuelled the rumours about Martinez's imminent departure.As for Chelsea, throughout pre-season, there had been nothing but satisfaction at Stamford Bridge when it came to the goalkeeping department. Until the clash against Fulham opened Alonso's eyes.Following the clash, the Spaniard refused to criticize Sanchez.“It’s not about talking about individuals, their situations. It’s about understanding what it takes," he said via The Telegraph.Delap arrived as a star, flopped, then became the biggest signing in Nottingham's historyHowever, his actions tell a different story.If Chelsea and Villa manage to negotiate a fee that works for both sides, Martinez could easily land in London, bringing the Blues quality, stability, experience, and reliability.Something they haven't had since Edouard Mendy.England League Cup Round 2TuesdayCardiff – Norwich 1-2 (0-1)/Salech 90+3 – Kvistgaarden 25, Crnac 78/Doncaster – Middlesbrough 1-3 (0-1)/Hutchinson 90+2 – Joseph 34, Lankshear 78, Sarmiento 87/Barnsley – Crewe 3-2 (3-1)/Cleary 29, Noslin 31, O'Keeffe 38 – Thibaut 21, Ewusi 89/Blackburn – Sheffield Utd 1-2 (0-1)/Afolayan 55 – Thomas Cannon 20, Donovan 81/Blackpool – Lincoln City 1-4 (1-1)/Clarkson 45 – Olaofe 36, Bayliss 53, Street 55, Elder 77/Cambridge – Millwall 0-1 (0-1)/Cooper 9/Fleetwood – Shrewsbury 4-0 (3-0)/Boyle 8 (og), Evans 28, 35, Davies 90/Ipswich – Leicester 2-1 (0-0)/Egeli 62, Nunez 71, 90+1 – Aluko 67/Plymouth – Coventry 2-4 (1-2)/Irow 21, Amaechi 54 – Awoniyi 3, Rudoni 5, Mason-Clark 67, Torp 78 (pen)/Sheffield W. – Wolverhampton 0-2 (0-2)/Swinkels 3 (og), Olagundju 45+1/Southampton – West Ham 1-4 (1-2)/Scienza 10 – Ayala 41, 53, Castellanos 75, Bowen 84/Stevenage – Reading 0-3 (0-2)/Brown 9, Lane 24, Williams 85/Stoke- Hull 1-1 (4-5 on penalties)/Bozenik 39 – Dowel 45/Walsall – Leyton 0-0 (5-6 on penalties)Watford – Peterborough 1-5 (0-2)/Doumbia 73 – Clarridge 10 (og), Leonard 51, 23, Shofowoke 55, Jones 64/Birmingham – Brentford 1-6 (1-3)/Gray 28 – Wilson 6, Hickey 35, Collins 40, 77, Thiago 73, Damsgaard 70/Nott.Forest – Leeds 0-2 (0-0)/James 50, Justin 75/Wednesday21.45: (3.05) Bradford (3.25) Burnley (2.25) 21.45: (1.35) Newcastle (5.30) WBA (8.00) 21.45: (1.25) Tottenham (6.50) Charlton (10.5) 22.00: (6.00) Preston (3.90) Everton (1.52) Thursday21.30: (1.18) Chelsea (6.50) Luton (13.0) 22.00: (1.18) Fulham (6.50) Wimbledon (13.0) ***odds are subject to change***