OFFICIAL: Chelsea sign World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez for €8.7m

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for €8.7million (£7.5m).

The 33-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Blues, bringing an end to his six-year association with Villa.

Martinez is one of the most decorated goalkeepers in recent history, having played a huge role in helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup.

He made a magnificent save to deny France forward Randal Kolo Muani in extra time before saving a Kingsley Coman penalty in the shootout.

Martinez has earned 67 caps for Argentina and has won two Copa America titles, while he also helped his country reach this summer’s World Cup final.

The shot-stopper said it was “an easy decision” to join Chelsea and that he is “over the moon” to have completed his move to Stamford Bridge.

“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” Martinez told Chelsea’s official club website. “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 leaves Villa a legend after Europa League glory

Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in September 2020 and made 256 appearances for Unai Emery’s side, winning the Europa League last season.

He has been synonymous with Villa’s rise from the bottom of the Premier League to European champions under Emery, and leaves the Midlands a modern-day legend.

The 6ft 5in ‘keeper had lost his place at Villa following the arrival of Japan No. 1 Zion Suzuki from Serie A outfit Parma earlier this month.

Martinez reunites with former Villa team-mate Morgan Rogers at Chelsea, with the England star having moved to west London for a club-record €137m (£117m) in July.

Chelsea and Villa have worked on several deals between them this summer, with Nicolas Jackson having moved in the opposite direction earlier this week.

Alejandro Garnacho joined Villa on a season-long loan in July, while Chelsea lured set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee from Villa Park in the same month.