Chelsea have officially confirmed the arrival of Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa.
Chelsea’s official announcement:
Chelsea is delighted to announce the signing of Argentinian international Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa.
The 33-year-old shot-stopper, a World Cup winner in 2022, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Blues.
‘I’m delighted to be at this football club,’ Martinez said. ‘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.
‘I want to be successful here. I’m someone who wants to win at everything I do and I want to bring that here to this football club because it’s a football club that wins titles, so I think it’s a good match.
‘I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.’
Martínez began his football journey in the academy of Independiente before joining Arsenal in August 2010 at the age of 17.
Following a number of loan spells aimed at gaining senior experience, he eventually established himself in Arsenal’s first team during the 2019/20 season. He started the club’s final 11 matches of the campaign and played a key role in their FA Cup triumph.
He also won the Community Shield at the beginning of the next season before completing his transfer to Aston Villa in September 2020.
During his six-year spell with the Midlands club, Martínez developed into one of the finest goalkeepers in world football. He featured 256 times for Villa and also won the UEFA Europa League in May.
On the international stage, Martínez made his Argentina debut in June 2021 and quickly became the nation’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, collecting 67 caps. He has won the Copa America twice, in 2021 and 2024, and was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022.
His outstanding performances earned him the Yashin Trophy, recognising the world’s best goalkeeper, at both the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremonies.
Welcome to Chelsea, Emi!