Chelsea sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa in £7.5m deal until 2028

Chelsea have formally announced the signing of Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. The Argentine goalkeeper moves to Stamford Bridge for £7.5 million and has put pen to paper on a three-year contract running until 2028. His arrival comes amid growing scrutiny of current number one Robert Sanchez, whose early-season displays have drawn criticism from supporters and pundits.

• Chelsea pay £7.5 million to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.
• The 33-year-old goalkeeper agrees a three-year contract.
• He is expected to take over as first choice ahead of Robert Sanchez.
• Martinez won the 2022 World Cup and back-to-back Yashin Trophies.
• His departure continues a summer exodus of key players from Villa Park.

How much Chelsea paid for Emiliano Martinez and what his contract looks like

The transfer has been completed for a fee of £7.5 million, a modest figure for a goalkeeper of his pedigree and one still performing at an elite level. Martinez has signed a three-year deal that ties him to Chelsea until the summer of 2028. At 33, he ends a five-year spell at Villa Park where he established himself as one of the standout goalkeepers in European football.

The move addresses a clear need in Chelsea's squad. Robert Sanchez has made costly mistakes and his status as the undisputed starter was increasingly under question. With Martinez now on board, the club has a proven Premier League goalkeeper who is used to competing on the biggest stages with Argentina.

What Emiliano Martinez brings to Chelsea: honours and winning mentality

Martinez arrives in London with a remarkable list of achievements. He played a decisive role in Argentina's World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 and has won two Copa America titles with the national team. Individually, he claimed the Yashin Trophy in both 2023 and 2024 as the world's best goalkeeper and was also named The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper twice.

His game combines size, sharp reflexes and a fiercely competitive personality that often lifts those around him. In his first interview as a Chelsea player, Martinez said the decision was an easy one for him and his family and that he arrives hungry for silverware. He also stressed that he gives everything in every training session and every match.

"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. I think it's a good match."

Why Aston Villa allowed their first-choice goalkeeper to leave

Martinez's exit is part of a summer of major changes at Villa Park. Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne had already left the club, and Ollie Watkins was also on the verge of a move. Aston Villa are undergoing a significant squad rebuild after a historic campaign in which they won the Europa League.

The goalkeeper had previously tried to leave in other windows. Last summer he pursued a transfer that never materialised, and earlier this month a potential switch to Juventus collapsed. This time, Chelsea's offer allowed him to fulfil a wish he had been chasing for some time.

Martinez's legacy at Aston Villa: from 2020 signing to Europa League champion

Aston Villa bid farewell to their goalkeeper with a statement of gratitude. The club recalled that Martinez joined from Arsenal in 2020 and remained a commanding presence between the posts throughout his time in Birmingham. His spell culminated in the Europa League title won in May, a triumph that returned the club to continental relevance.

During his years at Villa, the Argentine also earned his first senior international caps and built an impressive trophy cabinet with two Copa America titles and a World Cup. The club highlighted his infectious competitive nature and said he will always be remembered for his role in their recent rise.

What this signing means for Chelsea's goalkeeping situation

Martinez's arrival reshapes the goalkeeping hierarchy at Stamford Bridge. Robert Sanchez, who had been the coaching staff's preferred option, loses his status as the undisputed number one. Chelsea gain security in a key position and add leadership to the dressing room through a player accustomed to competing for major honours.

The challenge for Martinez will be to adapt quickly to the team's tactical demands and justify the club's faith from his first appearance. His Premier League experience with Aston Villa and his track record in international competitions give him every reason to become the new long-term owner of the Chelsea goal.