Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million.
Martinez, 33, has agreed a two year contract with the Blues until June 2028, with Chelsea holding an option to extend the deal until June 2029.
The move takes the World Cup winner to Stamford Bridge after six years at Villa, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dependable and, at times, most outspoken goalkeepers.
Martinez joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 and went on to make 256 appearances for the club. His performances also earned him a place among the league’s leading goalkeepers and helped him become Argentina’s first choice at international level.
His move to Chelsea also brings to an end another interesting chapter in his transfer story.
Manchester United had previously considered Martinez as a goalkeeping option, with the Argentine at one stage in the mix alongside Senne Lammens, who has now emerged as the club’s goalkeeper.
Chelsea have now won the race for Martinez, bringing in a goalkeeper whose experience could prove valuable as they continue to reshape their squad.
Martinez’s biggest achievements have come with Argentina. He was instrumental in their 2022 World Cup triumph, producing important saves throughout the tournament and famously making the decisive intervention against France in the final.
He has also won the Yashin Trophy twice, underlining his standing among the best goalkeepers in world football.
For Chelsea, the signing is less about adding another young prospect and more about bringing proven experience into the squad. Martinez has played in major Premier League matches, European competition and World Cup finals, giving the Blues a goalkeeper accustomed to pressure.
The £7.5 million fee also makes the deal a relatively modest investment for a player with his pedigree, particularly as Chelsea prepare for another demanding campaign.
Martinez will now begin the next chapter of his Premier League career at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea hoping his experience and personality can add greater stability to their goalkeeping department.
