Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa on a three-year contract, adding the 2022 World Cup winner to Xabi Alonso’s squad.
The 33-year-old is expected to challenge for—and potentially take over—the starting goalkeeper role after Robert Sánchez’s difficult start to the Premier League season.
Martínez arrives at Stamford Bridge after six seasons with Aston Villa, where he made 256 appearances and helped the club win the Europa League in May. His move became possible after Villa signed Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this month.
A regular starter for Argentina since 2021, Martínez has earned 67 international caps and played a key role in the country’s Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024. He also helped Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final.
He has twice won the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s top-performing goalkeeper, at the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremonies.
Martínez said joining Chelsea was an easy decision for him and his family, adding that he wants to bring his winning mentality to the London club.
The goalkeeper began his career at Argentine side Independiente before joining Arsenal as a 17-year-old in 2010. After several loan spells, he became Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2019-20 season, helping the club win the FA Cup before moving to Aston Villa.
-20260828064640.webp)
-20260824112248.jpg)
-20260823124453.webp)
