Chelsea sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa

Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina international Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.

The Blues have brought one of the Premier League’s most experienced goalkeepers to Stamford Bridge.

The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract. Martinez said he was delighted to join Chelsea and is determined to compete for major honours with his new club.

“Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I’m just over the moon,” Martinez said (via Chelsea’s official website). “I can’t wait to get started.”

The goalkeeper began his career at Independiente before joining Arsenal as a teenager in 2010.

After a series of loan spells, he finally established himself during the 2019/20 season, helping Arsenal win the FA Cup.

He moved to Villa in September 2020 and quickly became one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers, making 256 appearances and winning the Europa League during his time at the club.

His international career has been even more decorated. Martinez has won two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. He claimed the Yashin Trophy in 2023 and 2024.

The signing should also spell the beginning of the end for Robert Sanchez at Chelsea.

The Spaniard has been given far too many opportunities to prove he can be trusted between the posts.

Unfortunately, his costly mistakes and inconsistent performances have left Chelsea with no choice but to sign an upgrade.

Chelsea cannot afford another season of dropped points caused by avoidable goalkeeping errors, particularly if they have serious ambitions of challenging at the top end of the Premier League.

Martinez immediately raises the standard and brings the mentality of a goalkeeper who has performed on the biggest stages.

The ideal scenario would be for him to compete with highly-rated youngster Mike Penders, giving Chelsea a proven winner alongside a goalkeeper they can develop.