Martinez begins new chapter at Chelsea after six seasons with Aston Villa

Chelsea have signed Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa on a three-year contract during the current summer transfer window.

The 33-year-old, who was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team in 2022, has completed his move to the London club after six seasons at Villa.

Chelsea announced the deal and expressed their delight at securing the services of the experienced international goalkeeper.

Martinez said: “I am extremely happy to be at this club. The move to Chelsea was an easy decision for me and my family, and I am very happy. I cannot wait to get started.”

He added: “I want to achieve success here. I am someone who wants to win everything I do, and I want to bring that desire to this club because it is a club that wins trophies. So I believe there is a good fit.”

Martinez also said: “I play with passion and with my heart. I will give 100% in every match and every training session, to make the club, my team-mates and the fans proud.”

Chelsea marked the signing on social media with the message: “Emiliano is Blue.”

Martinez began his career in the youth system at Independiente before moving to Arsenal in August 2010, aged 17.

He spent several periods on loan to gain first-team experience before establishing himself in the Arsenal side during the 2019-20 season. Martinez started the club’s final 11 matches of that campaign and helped Arsenal win the FA Cup.

He also won the Community Shield at the beginning of the following season before joining Aston Villa in September 2020.

During his time at Villa, Martinez developed into one of the leading goalkeepers in world football. He made 256 appearances for the club across six seasons and won the Europa League in May.

Martinez made his Argentina debut in June 2021 and has been the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper since then, earning 67 international caps.

His international honours include two Copa America titles, won in 2021 and 2024, as well as the World Cup in 2022.

Martinez was also awarded the Yashin Trophy, presented to the world’s best goalkeeper, at the Ballon d’Or ceremonies in both 2023 and 2024.

The move brings one of Argentina’s most decorated players into Chelsea’s squad, with Martinez arriving after a highly successful period at international level and a lengthy spell as Aston Villa’s number one.