Emiliano Martínez joins Chelsea from Aston Villa for £7.5 million

Chelsea has reached an agreement to sign Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa for a fee of approximately £7.5 million. The 33-year-old World Cup winner is expected to undergo medical examinations in London before signing a contract that runs until June 2028, with an option to extend for an additional year.

The move comes as Chelsea seeks to bolster its goalkeeping options following a performance by current starter Robert Sánchez that drew criticism. Martínez, a two-time Yashin Trophy winner, brings significant international experience and a reputation for excellence in penalty situations.

Aston Villa has prepared for Martínez's departure by securing Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma. The transfer marks the end of Martínez's nearly six-year tenure at Villa Park, where he became a key figure and helped the club achieve significant success, including a Europa League campaign.