Chelsea signs Argentina’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa on a 3-year contract

Chelsea has officially signed Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa on a three-year contract, as announced on Sunday. The 33-year-old World Cup winner, who has been Argentina's regular starter since 2021, has committed to the English club for the long term. Martínez expressed his excitement about joining Chelsea, stating that it was an "easy decision to make" for him and his family.

He added that the club's history of success motivated him to join. Immediately taking over as the starting goalkeeper, Martínez replaced Robert Sánchez at Stamford Bridge, where Sánchez's mistakes led to goals during Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham. Villa recently signed U.S.-born Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, which paved the way for Martínez's move to Chelsea.

Martinez has earned 67 caps for Argentina, helping his team win the Copa America in 2021, 2024, and reach the 2023 and 2024 World Cup final. He also won the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world's best-performing goalkeeper, at the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremonies. Martinez made 256 appearances for Aston Villa across six seasons, winning the Europa League in May 2022.