Chelsea have signed two-time world number one goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on a three-year deal

Emiliano Martinez (Photo: Chelsea FC) Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa and added World Cup winner and two-time Yashin Trophy winner Xabi Alonso to their squad just a day before the transfer deadline.The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the London club and is expected to take over the goalkeeper spot after Robert Sanchez was again under control following Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham.Martinez arrives at Stamford Bridge with a decorated international CV. He has been Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper since 2021 and has made 67 appearances, playing a key role in the country’s 2021 and 2024 Copa America successes and their 2022 World Cup triumph.The goalkeeper was also named the best goalkeeper in the world at the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremonies, winning the prestigious Yashin Trophy on both occasions.

“I want to be successful here”

Martinez said joining Chelsea was an easy decision for both him and his family, while making it clear his ambition is to win trophies with his new club.“Coming to Chelsea was an easy decision for me and my family and I’m over the moon right now. I can’t wait to get started,” said Martinez.“I want to be successful here. I’m someone who wants to win in 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.”The Argentine also promised to bring his trademark intensity to Chelsea.“I am passionate and I play with my heart. I will give 100 percent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the fans proud,” he added.

Martinez brings a winning pedigree

Martinez spent six seasons at Aston Villa and made 256 appearances for the club, helping them win the Europa League in May. Villa’s decision to sign Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this month paved the way for Martinez’s departure.His rise to the ranks of the world’s elite goalkeepers came after a long journey. Martinez joined Arsenal from Independiente as a 17-year-old in 2010 and spent several seasons on loan before making his mark during the 2019-20 season.He started Arsenal’s last 11 games of the campaign and helped them win the FA Cup before moving to Aston Villa.His international career changed his status. Martinez made his debut for Argentina in 2021 and soon became a key figure in their golden generation. He won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was awarded the Golden Glove after playing a crucial role in Argentina’s dramatic final victory over France.Chelsea will now be hoping the experienced goalkeeper can bring the same consistency, personality and big game pedigree to their defense as they look to challenge for major honors under Alonso.