Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The 33-year-old, who had been seeking a transfer away from Villa during the past two summers, has now secured his departure in a £7.5m deal and agreed a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina international, a 2022 World Cup winner and two-time recipient of the Yashin Trophy as the leading goalkeeper, is expected to replace Robert Sánchez as Chelsea’s first-choice keeper.
Martínez expressed his happiness at joining the club, saying the move was a straightforward choice for both him and his family. He added that he was eager to begin and hoped to achieve success with a team accustomed to competing for trophies.
He also promised to bring passion and total commitment, pledging to give his maximum effort in every match and training session to make the club, his teammates and the supporters proud.
Martínez is the latest prominent player to depart Villa Park after Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, while Ollie Watkins is also expected to leave. The Argentinian joined Villa in 2020 and played an important role in the club’s progress among England’s leading sides, capped by their Europa League triumph last season. He attempted to secure a transfer last summer without success, while a proposed move to Juventus also broke down earlier this month.
Villa paid tribute to Martínez in a statement, highlighting the commanding influence he displayed after arriving from Arsenal in 2020 and his contribution to the club’s Europa League victory in May. During his time at Villa, he made his senior international debut before helping Argentina claim two Copa América trophies and the World Cup. His individual honours included consecutive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024, along with two major world goalkeeper awards.
The club added that Martínez would be remembered for his outstanding displays, intense competitive spirit and significant role in Villa’s recent progress and achievements. He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.
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