Chelsea have opened talks with Emiliano Martinez’s representatives over a possible move for the Aston Villa goalkeeper.

The 33-year-old Argentina international has become a target for Chelsea as the club continues to have concerns about Robert Sanchez’s performances.

Villa could be willing to sell Martinez after signing Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30 million earlier this month.

A move for Martinez could lead to another major transfer between Chelsea and Villa, who have done several deals in recent seasons.

Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa on an initial loan deal.

Villa are also interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at about £65 million. A move could see Jackson reunite with former Chelsea manager Unai Emery.

The two clubs were also involved in a deal that saw defender Ian Maatsen move to Villa, while Omari Kellyman joined Chelsea before later moving to Strasbourg.

Martinez has attracted interest from other clubs. Juventus tried to sign him earlier in the transfer window, but the deal collapsed after concerns over a finger injury. Juventus later signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.

Chelsea’s interest in Martinez comes after Sanchez had a difficult opening Premier League game against Fulham.

Sanchez was beaten at his near post by Josh King before spilling another shot into a dangerous area, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to score.

Chelsea still won the match 3-2 at Craven Cottage, but Sanchez’s performance has raised fresh questions about his future as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso initially defended Sanchez after the game. Ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup match against Luton Town, Alonso said the club’s discussions had focused more on the team than on Sanchez’s individual mistakes.

“No, we have had normal conversations,” Alonso said. “We have talked more about the team, about what we did well and what we have to do better.”

He added that Chelsea were still developing as a team and needed to make improvements.

Meanwhile, second-choice goalkeeper Mike Penders could get an opportunity against Luton after returning from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg.

Asked if Penders could play, Alonso said: “He’s in the squad, so he has an opportunity.”

The manager added that he would first tell the players his starting lineup before making it public.

Chelsea’s interest in Martinez suggests that the club is considering its options in goal despite Alonso’s public support for Sanchez.