Chelsea sign Argentina ‘stopper Martinez from Villa

Chelsea has signed Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million ($10 million) on a three-year contract, as reported by British media. The 33-year-old, who has won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, expressed his commitment to the club and his teammates in a statement on Chelsea's website.

This move brings Martinez back to London, where he initially made his professional debut with Arsenal but never became a regular first-team player. After a series of loan spells away from Arsenal, he joined Villa in 2020 and amassed over 250 appearances for the team. Martinez was instrumental in Unai Emery's Europa League-winning squad last season.

With Martinez's arrival, new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso hopes to find a solution to the club's long-standing goalkeeping issues. Robert Sanchez, Chelsea's current goalkeeper, faced criticism following their 3-2 victory over Fulham in their season opener.

Martinez is the second player to transfer between Chelsea and Villa this summer. Earlier, striker Nicolas Jackson moved from the London club to Birmingham on Friday. Other notable Villa players like Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, and Ollie Watkins have also left the club. However, Martinez's departure was expected, as 24-year-old Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki joined Chelsea earlier in the summer transfer window.