Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for a £7.5 million fee.
From Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge: Chelsea land Martinez for just £7.5m
The 33-year-old Argentina international will undergo a medical in London before putting pen to paper on a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with the option to extend for a further 12 months.
🔵🇦🇷 Chelsea have signed Emiliano Dibu Martínez on £7.5m deal from Aston Villa, two year contract until June 2028.
The agreement includes an option until June 2029. pic.twitter.com/fswcvb2c8T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2026
The move brings an end to Martinez’s six-year stay at Villa Park, where he made 256 appearances and played a pivotal role in the club’s Europa League triumph and Champions League qualification.
Chelsea’s sudden pursuit of Martinez represents a dramatic shift in thinking at the club.
The hierarchy had previously been determined to back Robert Sanchez, who has served as first-choice goalkeeper since 2023.
However, Sanchez’s error-strewn display in Monday’s 3-2 victory over Fulham proved the final straw.
The Spaniard allowed Josh King’s tame shot to slip through his grasp at the near post and later spilled an effort into a dangerous area, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to score.
Villa have been open to selling Martinez since signing Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for approximately £30 million earlier this month.
A proposed move to Juventus collapsed earlier in the transfer window due to concerns over a finger injury, with the Italian club instead turning to Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario.
The deal continues a busy summer of transfer business between the two Premier League clubs.
Chelsea previously signed forward Morgan Rogers from Villa for a club-record £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan.
Striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65 million, was also completing a medical at Villa Park on Thursday ahead of a reunion with former Villarreal manager Unai Emery.
Chelsea already have 19-year-old Mike Penders, a £17 million signing from Genk, among their goalkeeping options. The Belgian made his debut in Thursday’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town.
