Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Aug 30: Chelsea have signed Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on a three-year deal, just a day before the transfer deadline.

Martinez joins the Blues after spending six years with Aston Villa, during which he won the UEFA Europa League. The Argentine is also a FIFA World Cup winner, having played a key role in Argentina's triumph in 2022 and receiving the Golden Glove for his performances in the tournament.

“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” Martinez said in a statement released by Chelsea.

“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,” he added.

“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. I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud,” Martinez said.

Martinez began his youth career at Independiente before moving to Arsenal in 2010. He spent several seasons on loan to gain first-team experience and eventually established himself as an Arsenal regular during the 2019-20 season, when he helped the club win the FA Cup.

The Argentine subsequently joined Aston Villa, making 213 appearances for the club. He also made his international debut for Argentina in 2021.

Martinez has since become Argentina's first-choice goalkeeper and was a key figure in their 2022 World Cup triumph, producing several crucial saves, including in the final against France.

He also played a crucial role as Argentina reached the final of the 2026 World Cup, where they eventually lost to European powerhouse Spain.

Martinez was named the world's best-performing goalkeeper at the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremonies.