Chelsea sign Martínez, Everton pull Armstrong sale
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The gist
Chelsea agreed a £7.5m deal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martínez.
Both moves reshaped two Premier League squads before the transfer deadline.
Background
Chelsea reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martínez on a permanent deal worth £7.5m. Everton had accepted a bid from Nottingham Forest for highly rated youngster Harrison Armstrong, but after travelling supporters made their fury known, the board led by chairman Dan Friedkin cancelled the midfielder's move. Keeping Armstrong meant Everton had to raise funds elsewhere before Tuesday's deadline, which led to Iliman N'Diaye's sale to Manchester City in a deal worth up to £65m, with striker Beto and right-back Nathan Patterson also departing.
How it unfolded
- Aug 30, 2026Chelsea sign Martínez and Everton pull the plug on Armstrong's sale, as reported in matchday live coverage.
- Sep 6, 2026Reports detail Everton's board cancelling Armstrong's move to Nottingham Forest after supporter fury, and the subsequent £65m sale of Iliman N'Diaye to Manchester City.
- Sep 7, 2026Chelsea reach agreement with Aston Villa to sign Emi Martínez for £7.5m.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- David Ornstein reported Chelsea reached a permanent £7.5m agreement with Aston Villa for 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martínez.
- Public
- Everton supporters made their fury known over the proposed sale of Harrison Armstrong, prompting the board to cancel the move.
- Expert
- Wayne Rooney said Xabi Alonso has to 'find a way' after Chelsea were forced to finish with a certain lineup, while Roy Keane commented on Chelsea signing Emiliano Martínez.
Still unverified
The exact details of Roy Keane's comments on Chelsea signing Emiliano Martínez are not fully quoted in the material. The material also mentions 'new instability caused by the Friedkin Group's apparent pursuit of outside investment' without confirmation.