Chelsea sign Argentina’s Martinez from Villa

LONDON, August 30 — Chelsea has signed Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Premier League club Aston Villa, the London-based team announced today. The 33-year-old forward has inked a three-year contract with Chelsea, following a deal valued at £7.5 million (RM40.9 million), according to British media.

Embracing his passion for the sport, Martinez assured in a statement on Chelsea's website, "I am all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 percent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud." This marks Martinez's return to London, where he kicked off his professional career with Arsenal, though he never managed to become a first-team regular there.

After multiple loan spells away from the Emirates Stadium, Martinez joined Villa in 2020, cementing his status as a key player with over 250 appearances. He played a pivotal role in Unai Emery's Europa League-winning squad last season. With Martinez's arrival, new manager Xabi Alonso hopes he will address Chelsea's longstanding issues in the goalkeeping position.

Current Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez faced criticism following a 3-2 win over local rivals Fulham to kick off their Premier League campaign on Monday. Martinez joins a list of Villa Park legends who have recently moved on, including Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, and Ollie Watkins. However, Martinez's departure was expected, with 24-year-old Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki joining the team earlier in the transfer window.