From Argentina: Chelsea and Aston Villa optimistic about transfer – Player gives green light

Chelsea’s move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez appears to have taken another step forward.

The interest was already known, as were claims on Wednesday that talks had started. Thursday brings something more concrete from Argentina.

Journalist César Luis Merlo writes for Tribuna that Chelsea and Aston Villa are now negotiating directly over a permanent transfer. And Martinez has also given the “green light” to joining the Blues.

The outlet says both clubs are optimistic they can reach an agreement.

Chelsea and Villa optimistic about deal

There’s no fee mentioned at this stage, and Tribuna don’t suggest a final agreement has been reached. They do, however, present the negotiations as active and say the two clubs are working towards completing the operation.

That moves things forward from Wednesday’s information. Gastón Edul had revealed Chelsea’s interest was “real” and explained Aston Villa had become more willing to sell Martinez within the Premier League.

He said it was then up to Chelsea to determine how far they wanted to advance. Later reports in Argentina stated the Blues had opened talks. Now there is optimism on both sides that those negotiations can produce a deal.

Martinez’s approval also means Chelsea shouldn’t have a problem convincing the player if they can find an agreement with Villa.

Agreement now there to be found

The remaining issue appears to be between the clubs. Merlo provide no details about Chelsea’s potential offer or Aston Villa’s current asking price, so there’s no indication yet of how close the numbers are.

Still, the situation has moved quickly. Chelsea have gone from being an interested party to holding direct negotiations. Martinez has approved the move, and both clubs are said to believe an agreement can be reached.

With only days remaining in the window, that’s considerably more encouraging for Chelsea than where things stood earlier.