Chelsea signs goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa

Chelsea Football Club has announced the signing of Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. Martinez has signed a three-year contract reportedly worth $10 million after spending five years at Villa. In a statement on Chelsea's website, Martinez expressed his commitment, stating, "I’m 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." The 33-year-old goalkeeper returns to London, where he began his professional career with Arsenal, although he did not secure a first-team position there. After several loan spells, he joined Aston Villa in 2020 and made over 250 appearances, playing a significant role in Unai Emery's Europa League-winning squad last season. Chelsea's new manager, Xabi Alonso, aims to address the club's recent challenges in the goalkeeper position with this acquisition. Robert Sanchez, currently holding the number one goalkeeper position at Chelsea, faced criticism following a recent match against Fulham. Martinez is the second player to transfer between Chelsea and Aston Villa this summer, following striker Nicolas Jackson's move to Villa. His departure was expected, especially with the arrival of 24-year-old Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki at Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window.