Chelsea have secured the services of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, signing him from Aston Villa for £7.5 million. The transfer was completed on Thursday night after Martínez's representatives contacted Chelsea earlier in the week.
Martínez, who will turn 34 next week, has agreed a two-year deal with the option for an additional year. He is Argentina's number one goalkeeper and was a key player in their 2022 World Cup victory.
The decision to sign Martínez comes after Robert Sánchez's performance in Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham last Monday. This performance reportedly led Chelsea to seek a new goalkeeper before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. Sánchez is expected to be frozen out if he remains at the club, with interest from teams in England, Europe, and Saudi Arabia.
Martínez had been seeking a move from Villa and reportedly had other offers but expressed a desire to play for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso. His arrival is expected to provide an experienced mentor for 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who made his debut in the Carabao Cup win over Luton on Thursday.