Chelsea have secured the permanent signing of Argentina international goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa, with the 33-year-old putting pen to paper on a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

A decorated arrival

Martínez brings an impressive résumé to west London. He cemented his status as one of the Premier League's elite shot-stoppers during his spell at Aston Villa and was a pivotal figure in the Argentina side that lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Before Villa, the goalkeeper also spent time at Arsenal earlier in his career.

His individual honours are equally striking. Martínez claimed the Yashin Trophy — the award recognising the world's best goalkeeper — at both the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremonies, underlining his standing among the finest in the game.

Martínez eager to hit the ground running

Speaking on Chelsea's official website, Martínez made clear his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. "I'm delighted to be at this football club," he said. "Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I'm just over the moon — I can't wait to get started."

The goalkeeper also outlined his winning mentality. "I want to be successful here. I'm someone who wants to win at everything I do and I want to bring that here to this football club because it's a football club that wins titles, so I think it's a good match."

Martínez signed off with a promise to give everything for the cause. "I'm all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud."