Chelsea sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa

Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina international goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa on a three-year contract.

The 33-year-old joins the Blues after six successful seasons at Villa Park, where he established himself as one of the Premier League's leading goalkeepers and helped the club win the UEFA Europa League last season.

Martinez, who was part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning team, expressed his excitement after completing the move to Stamford Bridge.

"I’m delighted to be at this football club," he told Chelsea'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 because it’s a football club that wins titles, so I think it’s a good match."

The goalkeeper added that he would give his all for the club, teammates and supporters, describing himself as a player who competes with passion and commitment.

Martinez began his career in the youth ranks of Argentine side Independiente before joining Arsenal as a 17-year-old in 2010.

After several loan spells, he broke into Arsenal's first team during the 2019-20 season, playing a key role in the club's FA Cup triumph. He also helped the Gunners lift the Community Shield before making a permanent move to Aston Villa in September 2020.

At Villa, Martinez became one of the most highly regarded goalkeepers in world football, making 256 appearances in all competitions and playing a central role in the club's recent success.

On the international stage, Martinez made his Argentina debut in 2021 and has since earned 67 caps. He has won two Copa America titles, in 2021 and 2024, and was a key figure in Argentina's World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.

His performances for club and country were recognised with back-to-back Yashin Trophy awards in 2023 and 2024, given annually to the world's best-performing goalkeeper.