Official: Emiliano Martinez signs for Chelsea
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez joins Chelsea from Aston Villa on a two-year contract with an option for a further season; fee reported at £7.5m (€8.7m).
Chelsea have formally completed the signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, the club announced on 30.08.2026.
The Blues reportedly paid £7,500,000 for the transfer, roughly €8,700,000, and Martinez has signed a two-year deal with an option to extend for a third season.
Immediate expectations
Martinez said he and his family found the move to Chelsea straightforward. "Joining Chelsea was an easy decision for me and my family. I'm overjoyed and I can't wait to get started. I want to be successful here. I am someone who wants to win at everything he does and I want to pass that onto this team because this is a club that wins trophies, so I think it's a perfect match. I'm passionate and I play with my heart. I'll give 100% in every match and every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud," Martinez said.
The arrival of Martinez is likely to increase uncertainty over Roberto Sanchez's future at the club; Sanchez has been criticised by some supporters after inconsistent performances this season.
Sources close to the club expect Martinez to be Xabi Alonso's first-choice goalkeeper almost immediately, giving Chelsea a more experienced option between the posts for upcoming Premier League and cup fixtures.
Chelsea's coaching staff now face the task of integrating Martinez into the squad while deciding how to manage the goalkeeping roster ahead of the transfer window's remaining days.
Photo: press material from the event
