Chelsea signs Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa

London: Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa, with the 33-year-old joining the London club on a three-year contract.

The Premier League side confirmed the move on Sunday, bringing in the 2022 World Cup winner as it looks to strengthen its goalkeeping department.

“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,” Martínez said. “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 was handed an immediate starting role by coach Xabi Alonso, replacing Robert Sánchez for Sunday's Premier League game against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.

Sánchez came under scrutiny after making errors that contributed to goals in Chelsea's league opener against Fulham on Monday. The goalkeeper had been viewed by many as a concern for Chelsea as the club seeks to challenge for the Premier League title.

Villa's decision to sign U.S.-born Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this month had paved the way for Martínez to leave the club.

Martínez has been Argentina's first-choice goalkeeper since 2021 and has made 67 appearances for his country. He played a key role in Argentina's Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024 and helped the team reach this year's World Cup final.

He has also twice won the Yashin Trophy, which recognises the world's best-performing goalkeeper, at the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremonies.

During his six seasons with Villa, Martínez made 256 appearances and helped the club win the Europa League in May.

"I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100% every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud," he said.

Martínez began his career in the youth system at Argentine club Independiente before joining Arsenal in 2010 at the age of 17. Following a series of loan spells, he established himself as Arsenal's regular goalkeeper during the 2019-20 season.

He started the final 11 games of that campaign and played a key role in Arsenal's FA Cup triumph.