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Chelsea have officially announced the signing of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. The 33-year-old Argentina international has joined Stamford Bridge on a two-year deal, with the club holding an option for an additional season, bringing top-level experience to the Blues' defensive unit.

Martinez completes move to Stamford Bridge

The Blues have formally landed the 33-year-old goalkeeper for a reported fee of £7.5 million. Martinez has signed an initial two-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and that agreement also includes a club option to keep him for a third season.

The move came together quickly after a planned transfer to Juventus fell through earlier in August. Once that switch collapsed, the goalkeeper's representatives moved swiftly to approach the west London side and work out a deal.

His arrival instantly adds elite competition in goal after Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday. Current first-choice keeper Robert Sanchez made two major mistakes in that match at Craven Cottage, leading Chelsea's hierarchy and Xabi Alonso to react quickly in the transfer market.

Martinez eager for more trophies

Speaking through Chelsea's official media channels, Martinez said he was hugely proud to complete the move. The experienced goalkeeper explained that the decision to move to west London felt natural and straightforward for both his career and his family.

"I'm delighted to be at this football club," the Argentina international said on Sunday morning. "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."

Martinez also underlined his strong ambition to keep winning major honours with his new club. "I want to be successful here," he added. "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."

He finished by promising total commitment to Chelsea supporters. "I'm all passion and I play with my heart," Martinez said. "I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud."

The end of an outstanding Villa chapter

Martinez leaves Villa Park as a club great after making 256 appearances over six impressive seasons in the Midlands. Under manager Unai Emery, he played a key role in helping the club achieve two top-four finishes and famously won the UEFA Europa League in May.

However, his spell at the club was effectively brought to a close when Villa signed 24-year-old Zion Suzuki from Parma as their new clear first-choice goalkeeper. After Suzuki arrived, Martinez had been training away from the senior squad.

Before his time at Villa, the goalkeeper spent 10 years with Arsenal and eventually broke through to win the FA Cup in 2020. At international level, the two-time Yashin Trophy winner continues to operate at the highest standard, serving as a cornerstone of Argentina's recent golden era, during which they have won two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup.

Immediate pressure on Sanchez

Martinez's signing immediately puts Sanchez's status as Chelsea's main goalkeeper under threat. The 28-year-old Spaniard is now in his fourth season at Stamford Bridge and has made 112 appearances, but his shaky performance against Fulham has left his place in the starting XI under serious pressure.

With highly rated 21-year-old Mike Penders also waiting for his opportunity after a successful loan spell at Strasbourg last season, the battle for the goalkeeper's spot is now more intense than ever. Martinez will be aiming to displace Sanchez quickly and make himself the undisputed first-choice keeper, offering the high-level stability Chelsea need as they try to recover from last season's disappointing 10th-place finish and get back into European football.