Emiliano Martinez completes Chelsea move from Aston Villa

Chelsea have completed the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The 33-year-old, who has been agitating to leave Villa for the last two summers, has finally got his wish as he has moved for £7.5million, signing a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Martinez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and twice secured the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, went straight into the Chelsea team as he made his debut in their 4-3 win over Brighton on Sunday, taking over from Robert Sanchez.

“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” Martinez told the club’s official website. “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.

“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.”

Martinez is one of a number of high-profile players to leave Villa this summer, following Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of the club before Ollie Watkins’ departure was announced later on Sunday.

The Argentinian joined Villa in 2020 and was a key player in their rise to the top table of English football, culminating in last season’s Europa League success.

He had tried to leave last summer but a move never materialised and another exit attempt fell through earlier this month when a deal with Juventus collapsed.

Villa said in a statement: “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 UEFA Europa League in May.

“He earned his first international caps while at Aston Villa, going on to win two Copa América titles and a FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

“He was also twice named the world’s number one goalkeeper, picking up successive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024 as well as two The Best FIFA Football awards.

“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.”