Chelsea told to make bold goalkeeper change after Robert Sanchez errors

Gary Neville has urged Chelsea to consider signing Emiliano Martinez after Robert Sanchez made two costly mistakes in their 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham.

Chelsea secured the three points in their opening match of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, with the fixture played as the final game of the first round.

However, Sanchez was heavily criticised for his contribution to both goals Chelsea conceded. The goalkeeper was blamed for a serious error in the build-up to Fulham’s first goal and was also questioned over the second.

The performance has prompted doubts in England over whether the Spain international is good enough to remain the first-choice goalkeeper for Xabi Alonso’s side if Chelsea are to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title.

Neville, the former England and Manchester United defender, has suggested Martinez could provide the answer. Speaking as reported by AS, he said: “I don’t know if he is available or not, but Emi Martinez should join Chelsea. Robert Sanchez is worrying and makes costly mistakes.”

Martinez’s situation at Aston Villa could make a move possible. The Argentina international is facing an uncertain future at the club and had been expected to leave at the end of the 2025-26 season under manager Unai Emery.

His position has become more complicated after he suffered an injury to his right hand. A transfer to Juventus appeared close to being completed, but financial difficulties prevented the move from going through and the Italian club eventually signed Vicario.

Aston Villa have also brought in Japan international Zion Suzuki. He was not selected in the starting line-up for the club’s opening league match, but his arrival has added further competition in goal.

The available indications suggest Martinez may no longer be guaranteed a starting place at Aston Villa. A departure could therefore be imminent, with a move potentially offering the goalkeeper the opportunity to refresh his career.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are believed to require an established elite goalkeeper if they are to compete for the Premier League title. Sanchez has yet to establish himself as the kind of commanding presence commonly found behind teams that win the competition.

That leaves Alonso with an immediate problem to address. Despite Chelsea’s winning start against Fulham, concerns over their goalkeeping position have increased, and Neville believes Martinez could be a suitable solution if he is available.

A move would bring together a goalkeeper whose future at Aston Villa appears uncertain and a Chelsea side seeking greater reliability in one of the most important positions on the pitch.