Chelsea Sign Emiliano Martinez From Aston Villa in £7.5m Deal

Chelsea have completed the signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million, bringing the Argentina international to Stamford Bridge on a three-year contract. The transfer gives the 33-year-old the move away from Villa that he had sought across the past two summers.

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The Press Association, in reporting carried by The Guardian, said Martinez is expected to replace Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper. Chelsea announced the completion of the deal, while Martinez said through the club’s official channels that the decision suited both him and his family and that he wanted to help the team compete for trophies.

Martinez arrives with major international recognition. He was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning side and has also won two Copa America titles. During his time at Villa, he collected successive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024, as well as two Best FIFA men’s goalkeeper awards, according to Villa’s farewell statement.

The move ends a six-year spell at Aston Villa that began when Martinez joined from Arsenal in 2020. Villa described him as a commanding figure during the club’s recent progress and highlighted his role in their Europa League triumph in May. The club also noted that Martinez earned his first senior Argentina caps while he was a Villa player. His international honours followed after that first call-up.

A departure had been under discussion before the Chelsea agreement was reached. The Press Association reported that Martinez had attempted to leave Villa last summer without securing a transfer, while a proposed move to Juventus fell through earlier in August. Chelsea’s completed deal now resolves that uncertainty before the transfer window closes.

Martinez becomes another prominent departure from Villa during the current window, following Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne. The Press Association also reported that Ollie Watkins is expected to leave. Villa wished Martinez well in its statement, crediting his performances and competitive approach for helping shape the club’s recent success.