Chelsea has made a surprising move by signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The 33-year-old, who has been linked to a departure from Villa for the last two summers, has secured his desired transfer for £7.5 million, signing a three-year contract with Chelsea.

This development follows criticism directed at Chelsea’s current number one, Robert Sanchez.

Martinez, who was part of the Argentine team that won the 2022 World Cup and has received the Yashin Trophy twice for being the best goalkeeper, is expected to take Sanchez’s position in the lineup.

“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” Martinez remarked on the club’s official website. “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 percent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates, and the supporters proud.”

Martinez’s transfer follows the recent departures of high-profile players from Villa, including Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne, with Ollie Watkins also likely to exit.

Since joining Villa in 2020, Martinez has played a vital role in their rise within English football, culminating with their success in the Europa League last season.

Martinez had previously attempted to leave last summer, but the move did not materialize. Another attempt this month fell through when a deal with Juventus collapsed.

Aston Villa released a statement saying, “Emi joined the club from Arsenal in 2020 and has been a commanding presence in goal throughout his time at the club, which culminated in him helping Villa win the UEFA Europa League in May.

“He earned his first international caps while at Aston Villa, going on to win two Copa América titles and a FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

“He was also twice named the world’s number one goalkeeper, picking up successive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024 as well as two The Best FIFA Football awards.

“With his stellar performances and infectious competitive nature, Emi will always be remembered for his part in our recent journey and success and leaves Aston Villa with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”

Chelsea have completed a surprise move with the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The 33-year-old, who has been linked to leaving Villa for the last two summers, has finally got his wish as he has moved for £7.5million, signing a three-year contract with Chelsea.

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It comes after criticism of Chelsea’s current number one Robert Sanchez.

Martinez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and twice secured the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, is set to displace Sanchez.

“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” Martinez told the club’s official website. “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.

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“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.”

Martinez became the latest high-profile player to leave Villa following Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins also on the verge of an exit.

The Argentinian joined Villa in 2020 and was a key player in their rise to the top table of English football, culminating in last season’s Europa League success.

He had tried to leave last summer but a move never materialised and another exit attempt fell through earlier this month when a deal with Juventus collapsed.

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Villa said in a statement: “Emi joined the club from Arsenal in 2020 and has been a commanding presence in goal throughout his time at the club, which culminated in him helping Villa win the UEFA Europa League in May.

“He earned his first international caps while at Aston Villa, going on to win two Copa América titles and a FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

“He was also twice named the world’s number one goalkeeper, picking up successive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024 as well as two The Best FIFA Football awards.

“With his stellar performances and infectious competitive nature, Emi will always be remembered for his part in our recent journey and success and leaves Aston Villa with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”