Chelsea signs Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa | Football
Emiliano Martinez Signs with Chelsea on Three-Year Deal
August 30, 2026
Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, has officially joined Chelsea from Aston Villa, the London club announced on Sunday. The transfer marks the end of Martinez’s five-year tenure at Villa and reportedly includes a three-year contract worth £7.5 million (approximately $10 million).
In a statement released on Chelsea’s website, the 33-year-old goalkeeper expressed his commitment to his new role. “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 said.
Martinez returns to London, where he began his professional career with Arsenal, although he struggled to secure a place in the first team. After several loan spells, he joined Aston Villa in 2020, where he amassed over 250 appearances and played a pivotal role in the team’s success, including their Europa League victory last season under coach Unai Emery.
His arrival at Chelsea comes amid ongoing scrutiny of current goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who faced criticism following Chelsea’s narrow 3-2 win over Fulham in their Premier League opener.
Martinez is the second player to transfer between Chelsea and Aston Villa this summer, following the recent move of striker Nicolas Jackson to Villa. His departure contributes to a significant reshaping of the Villa squad, which has also seen the exits of Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, and Ollie Watkins.
Anticipating Martinez’s exit, Aston Villa recently signed 24-year-old Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki earlier in the transfer window.
