Chelsea Close In on Double Deal for Honest Ahanor and Emiliano Martinez

Chelsea are closing in on a double signing before the transfer window shuts, reaching verbal agreements for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Chelsea have struck a deal with Atalanta worth around £40 million for the 18-year-old Ahanor, a versatile defender who can play centre-back or full-back. Personal terms are in place on a long-term contract, with the player given permission to travel for a medical. Chelsea are expected to decide on the best pathway for him, with a loan to another Premier League club considered a real possibility before he returns to Stamford Bridge.

Martinez, meanwhile, has given the "green light" to a move after being offered to Chelsea following Aston Villa's signing of Zion Suzuki as their new number one. A club-to-club agreement worth £7.5 million for a permanent transfer has been reached, with the Argentina international expected to sign a two-year deal with the option of a third season. The 33-year-old would provide an immediate upgrade in goal as Chelsea look to move on from Robert Sanchez.

Both deals are expected to be finalised before next week's transfer deadline, continuing an active summer at Stamford Bridge that has already brought in 11 signings under new manager Xabi Alonso.