Emiliano Martinez has joined Chelsea from Aston Villa on a reported three-year deal worth $10 million. The announcement was made by Chelsea on Sunday. Martinez, who was part of Argentina's World Cup 2022-winning team, expressed his commitment to the club, stating, "I’m all passion, and I play with my heart. I will give 100 percent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates, and the supporters proud."
The 33-year-old goalkeeper signed a three-year contract with Chelsea, with British media reporting the transfer fee to be £7.5 million. Martinez returns to London, where he began his professional career with Arsenal, although he did not secure a regular first-team position there. After several loan spells, he joined Aston Villa in 2020, making over 250 appearances and playing a significant role in the team's Europa League success last season under manager Unai Emery.
With Martinez's arrival, Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso aims to address the club's ongoing challenges in the goalkeeper position. Current Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez faced criticism after the team's 3-2 victory over Fulham in their Premier League opener. Martinez is the second player to transfer between Chelsea and Aston Villa this summer, following striker Nicolas Jackson's move to Villa. Martinez's exit from Villa was expected, especially after the signing of 24-year-old Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki earlier in the transfer window.