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Chelsea have moved to bring in major competition for Robert Sanchez after his mistake-filled display against Fulham.

The goalkeeper is expected to become Chelsea’s first-choice option once the transfer is completed. Personal terms have already been agreed.

Martinez has wanted to leave Aston Villa for some time, with Villa having signed Zion Suzuki as their new first-choice goalkeeper.

Emi Martinez had impressed for Argentina at the World Cup.

Chelsea’s position throughout the summer had been that they were satisfied with the goalkeeping options already at the club in Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders, who started Thursday night’s Carabao Cup match against Luton Town.

However, Sanchez made two costly high-profile errors in Monday’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham, and Chelsea have now reconsidered their stance on keeping him as their No1.

They are now pressing ahead with the signing of the experienced Martinez for a fee of £7.5m in the wake of Sanchez’s mistakes.

Martinez had been set to join Juventus before the Italian side instead signed Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham. Before that Juventus move collapsed, Villa had quoted the Serie A club an asking price of £8.5m for the 33-year-old.

Robert Sanchez has struggled to produce consistent form since joining Chelsea.

Chelsea are also completing the signing of 18-year-old defender Honest Ahanor from Atalanta.

The Italy international has been given permission to travel to London for a Chelsea medical after agreeing personal terms with the west London club. Chelsea and Atalanta have agreed a total package worth £40m.

Chelsea have sold Liam Delap to Nottingham Forest for £45m plus a further £5m in add-ons. They are also preparing to sell Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa in a deal containing significant add-ons, which could ultimately earn the Blues £65m if every clause is triggered.

Senegal centre-back Mamadou Sarr was on Thursday morning undergoing a medical with Real Sociedad as he closes in on leaving Chelsea on a season-long loan, with no option or obligation to make the move permanent.