Chelsea-bound Martinez closes Aston Villa chapter after Arsenal exit

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for £7.5m, according to a report by The Telegraph’s Matt Law.

Law said on Thursday in a post on X that Chelsea had agreed terms with Villa for the 33-year-old, who will make a permanent move to Stamford Bridge. The deal sees Martinez leave the club he joined from Arsenal in September 2020, adding an element of rivalry to a transfer described as a “betrayal” of his former side.

Martinez has spent five seasons with Aston Villa and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most prominent goalkeepers during that time. His performances for the club helped strengthen his position as Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper during a highly successful period for the national team.

The goalkeeper played a key role for Argentina as they won the 2022 World Cup. He also contributed to the team’s victories in two editions of the Copa America.

His achievements on the international stage were recognised when he won the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper, in both 2023 and 2024.

Martinez was also part of the Argentina squad that finished as runners-up at the 2026 World Cup, having already lifted the trophy in 2022. His role with the national team has made him one of the most recognised goalkeepers in world football.

The move will bring to an end Martinez’s time at Aston Villa, where he became a significant figure after arriving from Arsenal. He had moved to Villa in September 2020 and went on to cement his reputation in English football with a series of important performances.

For Chelsea, the agreement represents a move for an experienced goalkeeper with Premier League knowledge and major international honours. Martinez’s arrival will also mean a return to London after his previous spell with Arsenal.

Law’s report states that the transfer has been agreed at a fee of £7.5m and that the switch will be completed on a permanent basis. The report did not indicate any loan arrangement or temporary move.

Martinez’s departure from Aston Villa follows five seasons in which he developed from a goalkeeper who had left Arsenal into an established Premier League and Argentina international star. He now appears set to continue his career with Chelsea, while Villa prepare to lose a player who has played an important role for both club and country in recent years.