Paul Merson's Aston Villa prediction could come true as 'madness' to continue with Emiliano Martinez

Paul Merson can't believe how many key players Aston Villa have sold, with Emiliano Martinez set to join the list.

The Argentina international is now attracting interest from Chelsea ahead of the 1 September English transfer deadline.

Having signed Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30million, the 33-year-old's future seems away from the

Unai Emery has seen a massive squad overhaul at Villa Park and Martinez will soon be part of that list.

Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne were the first ones to leave, with Ezri Konsa following them out the door after an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign.

Uncertainty remains around Ollie Watkins' future, with the striker and the Argentine shot-stopper likely leaving the Villans in the final days of the window.

Emiliano Martinez and Chelsea transfer latest

Martinez was being heavily linked with a move to Juventus, but the Serie A giants ended up signing Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham Hotspur as their new number one.

The World Cup winner is tasked with finding a new club in the coming days and has been offered to Chelsea.

According to Sky Sports on 26 August, the Blues now have a late decision to make after Martinez's agents presented him as an option for Xabi Alonso's team.

Robert Sanchez started in goal for Chelsea in their Premier League opener against Fulham, but the Spanish goalkeeper made a couple of grave errors.

The London club now have to decide whether to bolster their goalkeeping department or stick with their current options.

What Paul Merson has now said about Unai Emery at Aston Villa

Merson is heartbroken at the situation Villa now find themselves in.

The English football icon doesn't seem to have much hope for the Villans this season after their recent transfer activity.

Merson has also predicted Emery's potential departure from Villa Park after arguably having his team's heart ripped out.

Writing in Sky Sports on 26 August, the Englishman said, "It breaks your heart to see Villa like this - I don't see Unai Emery staying.

"You sell all your best players, what do you expect? I didn't expect them to be 4-0 down in 30 minutes, but I didn't expect them to beat Brighton.

"It's madness at the highest level. We're talking about a big, big football club that just got in the Champions League, won a European trophy - and then sold all their best players."

The loss to Brighton may have just been the start for what could possibly be a season to forget for fans in B6.

It wouldn't be surprising if Emery gets fed up with the constant need to sell his best players at Villa and ends up leaving.