Chelsea have officially announced the arrival of Argentine international Emiliano Martínez, ending his six-and-a-half-year stint at Aston Villa. The transfer, reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, is valued at just under nine million euros. The goalkeeper, now signed to Chelsea for two years with an option for an additional season, expressed his excitement: “I’m thrilled to be here. For me and my family, it was an easy decision.”

A trophy-laden spell at Villa Park

Martínez made his mark at Aston Villa. Under Unai Emery, he won the Europa League in 2024, featured in two Champions League group stages, and recorded 80 clean sheets in 256 appearances. His performances earned him the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper in 2023 and 2024. Despite a contract running until 2029, transfer speculation persisted all summer. Juventus and Manchester United were linked, but it was Chelsea who secured his signature. The move was expedited after doubts arose over Robert Sánchez following the opening Premier League match against Fulham. Martínez arrives to shore up a side in need of defensive stability, with Mike Penders, initially tipped as the starter, now the third-choice option.

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“I want to succeed here. I’m someone who wants to win in everything I do, and I want to bring that to this club. It’s a club that wins trophies, so I think it’s a good fit. I’m pure passion and I play with my heart. I’ll give 100% in every match and every training session so the club, my teammates and the supporters can be proud,” he added. His arrival coincides with the exits of other Emery project pillars: Konsa to Arsenal, Tielemans to Manchester United and Rogers to Chelsea. Ollie Watkins, meanwhile, appears set to join Al Hilal. Martínez thus becomes the latest goalkeeper to move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates Stadium, following Petr Čech and Kepa Arrizabalaga. A chapter closes for the Birmingham club, where his legacy remains undeniable.