Chelsea have completed the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for a fee of £7.5m, with the 33-year-old putting pen to paper on a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge. The Argentinian, who has been agitating to leave Villa for the last two summers, is expected to displace Robert Sánchez as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper.
Martínez's journey to Stamford Bridge
Martínez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and twice secured the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, has finally secured his desired exit from Villa Park. His move to Chelsea marks the end of a long pursuit, having previously attempted to leave the club last summer without success, and another potential exit fell through earlier this month when a deal with Juventus collapsed.
The Argentinian joined Villa in 2020 and played a key role in their rise to the top of English football, culminating in last season's Europa League success. He now becomes the latest high-profile player to depart Villa, following Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of the club, with Ollie Watkins also expected to make an exit.
Martínez's first words as a Chelsea player
Speaking to Chelsea's official website, Martínez expressed his excitement at the move. "I'm delighted to be at this football club," he 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. 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."
He added: "I'm all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100% every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud."
Aston Villa's tribute to a departing legend
Aston Villa released a statement acknowledging Martínez's significant contributions during his time at the club. "Emi joined the club from Arsenal in 2020 and has been a commanding presence in goal throughout his time at the club, which culminated in him helping Villa win the Europa League in May," the statement read.
"He earned his first international caps while at Aston Villa, going on to win two Copa América titles and a World Cup with Argentina. He was also twice named the world's No 1 goalkeeper, picking up successive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024 as well as two The Best Fifa Football awards."
The statement concluded: "With his stellar performances and infectious competitive nature, Emi will always be remembered for his part in our recent journey and success and leaves Aston Villa with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club."
