Chelsea complete £7.5m signing of World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez
Chelsea have strengthened their goalkeeping department by completing the signing of Argentina international Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa.
Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa, bringing the experienced Argentina goalkeeper to Stamford Bridge on a three-year contract in a £7.5 million deal.
The move, confirmed by Chelsea on Sunday, caps a rapid transfer following growing uncertainty around the club’s goalkeeping position and gives manager Xabi Alonso an experienced option between the posts.
Martínez, 33, arrives in west London after six seasons at Villa, where he made 256 appearances and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most accomplished goalkeepers.
His arrival also follows Villa’s decision to sign Japan international Zion Suzuki, which opened the door for Martínez to pursue a new challenge.
The Argentine brings an impressive collection of honours to Chelsea, having won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles with his country, while he has also twice claimed the Yashin Trophy.
During his time at Villa, he played a key role in the club’s success, including their Europa League triumph last season.
Chelsea’s decision to move for Martínez also comes after questions were raised about Robert Sánchez following his recent performances, increasing competition for the starting position.
Martínez, who began his senior career at Independiente before joining Arsenal in 2010, said he was thrilled to begin his Chelsea journey and made clear his ambitions with the club.
“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” Martínez said. “Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I’m just over the moon – I can’t wait to get started.”
He added: “I want to be successful here. I’m someone who wants to win at everything I do and I want to bring that here to this football club because it’s a football club that wins titles, so I think it’s a good match.”
Martínez also promised to bring his trademark intensity to his new surroundings, saying:
“I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.”
