Chelsea sign World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa

Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Premier League rivals Aston Villa, bringing in the 2022 World Cup winner on a three-year contract as manager Xabi Alonso strengthens his options between the posts.

Neither club disclosed the transfer fee, although multiple British reports have valued the deal at around £7.5 million ($10.15 million). The 33-year-old leaves Villa after six seasons and 256 appearances, having established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading goalkeepers.

“I’m delighted to be at this football club. 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,” Martinez said after completing the move. He added that he wanted to bring his competitive approach to a club accustomed to challenging for trophies.

Martinez expected to challenge Sanchez

Martinez’s arrival puts further pressure on Robert Sanchez, whose position as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper had come under renewed scrutiny following errors in the club’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham.

Chelsea moved quickly for Martinez in the closing stages of the transfer window after identifying the position as an area requiring reinforcement. Martinez is expected to compete strongly for the No. 1 position and will wear the No. 26 shirt at Stamford Bridge.

His departure from Villa became increasingly likely following the arrival of Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this month. Suzuki’s signing pushed Martinez down the goalkeeping hierarchy and opened the way for the Argentine to seek a move.

Six-year Villa spell ends

Martinez joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in September 2020 after struggling for regular first-team football during much of his decade in north London. He quickly became a central figure at Villa Park and was instrumental in the club’s rise under Unai Emery.

His final season proved particularly successful, with Villa finishing fourth in the Premier League to secure Champions League qualification and winning the Europa League. Villa described Martinez as a “commanding presence” and acknowledged his contribution to the club’s recent progress.

The goalkeeper had previously explored a departure from Villa, with a proposed move to Juventus earlier this month failing to materialise before Chelsea entered the race.

World Cup winner brings experience

Martinez’s reputation has been shaped as much by his international career as his performances in the Premier League. He has been Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper since 2021 and played a decisive role in their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.

He also helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024 and was part of the side that reached the 2026 World Cup final. Martinez has won the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s leading goalkeeper, twice.

His move also marks a return to London. Martinez joined Arsenal from Independiente as a 17-year-old in 2010 and spent several periods away on loan before finally establishing himself late in the 2019-20 season. He helped Arsenal win the FA Cup before moving to Villa in search of regular football.

For Chelsea, the relatively modest reported £7.5 million fee brings an experienced goalkeeper with extensive Premier League and international credentials into Alonso’s squad, while Martinez begins another chapter in England after more than 250 appearances at Villa Park.