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Chelsea sign World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez in late summer swoop

Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa on 29 August 2026. The 33-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge as a permanent transfer, bringing a trophy-laden career and elite shot-stopping pedigree to West London.

2026-09-01

Chelsea have secured the services of one of the most decorated active goalkeepers in world football, confirming the permanent transfer of Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa on 29 August 2026. The move represents a significant statement of intent from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, bringing in a proven winner with extensive Premier League experience and international pedigree. At 33, the Argentine shot-stopper arrives at a crucial stage of his career, tasked with providing leadership and elite-level reliability between the posts.

En bref

• Player: Emiliano Martínez (33, Goalkeeper, Argentina)
• Move: Permanent transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea on 29 August 2026
• Fee: Not publicly disclosed in the official transfer registry

Repères de carrière

Emiliano Martínez’s professional journey is defined by persistence and ultimate triumph. After joining the Arsenal academy system early in his career, he spent over a decade associated with the North London club, enduring multiple loan spells to gain first-team experience. His temporary excursions included stints at Oxford United (2012), Sheffield Wednesday (2013), Rotherham United (2015), Wolverhampton Wanderers (2015), and Getafe (2017). These loans provided the necessary seasoning before he established himself as a reliable Premier League goalkeeper.

The defining moment of his career came in September 2020, when Aston Villa signed him permanently from Arsenal for a reported fee of €18.5M. At Villa, Martínez transitioned from a capable domestic goalkeeper to an elite, trophy-winning force. His international career with Argentina peaked spectacularly, where he backstopped the national team to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, followed by winning the CONMEBOL Copa América in both 2021 and 2024, alongside the CONMEBOL/UEFA Finalissima in 2022. His trophy cabinet also boasts multiple FA Cup and Community Shield wins during his tenure with Arsenal.

Quel impact dans son nouveau club ?

From a tactical perspective, Emiliano Martínez brings a specific profile that addresses key requirements for Chelsea. Standing at 195 cm and weighing 88 kg, his physical presence is complemented by outstanding shot-stopping attributes. The data shows a high volume of saves, with 136 saves recorded in the 2025 season across all competitions, conceding 53 goals in 50 appearances. His duel success rate is exceptionally high, winning 35 out of 36 duels (a 97% success rate), demonstrating his dominance in aerial and physical situations.

MERCATO

Départ

Aston Villa

→

Arrivée

Chelsea

Transfer · 2026-08-29

Fiche joueur

Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero

33 ans · Goalkeeper · #23 · Argentina

50
Matchs

0
Buts

1
Passes déc.

4397
Minutes

7.01
Note

His distribution is also highly developed, completing 1,828 passes with a 74% pass accuracy in the 2025 season, including 3 key passes. This indicates a goalkeeper comfortable with progressive, build-up play from the back, which aligns with modern tactical systems that demand goalkeeper involvement in possession. His experience in high-stakes European matches is proven, having started all 11 UEFA Europa League matches in 2025, conceding only 7 goals and maintaining a solid 7.12 rating. His arrival provides Chelsea with a goalkeeper who is equally adept at commanding his penalty area, distributing under pressure, and performing in high-intensity knockout football.

Les chiffres récents

The statistical profile of Emiliano Martínez for the 2025 season highlights his heavy involvement and consistent performance across multiple fronts:

• Total Appearances: 50 (49 starts, 1 substitute appearance)
• Total Minutes Played: 4,397 minutes
• Goals Conceded: 53 (averaging 1.08 goals per game)
• Saves Made: 136
• Passes Completed: 1,828 (Accuracy: 74%)
• Average Rating: 7.01
• Disciplinary Record: 3 Yellow Cards, 0 Red Cards
• Duels Won: 35 / 36 (97% success rate)

In terms of competition breakdown, his minutes were distributed heavily in the Premier League (32 appearances, 2,835 minutes, 6.98 rating) and the UEFA Europa League (11 appearances, 990 minutes, 7.12 rating). He also featured in 2 international friendly matches for Argentina (166 minutes, 7.2 rating) and 4 club friendly matches (360 minutes, 6.95 rating).

Ce qu'il faut retenir

• Elite Experience: Brings World Cup and Copa América winning experience to the Chelsea dressing room.
• Shot-Stopping Prowess: Recorded 136 saves and a 97% duel success rate in the 2025 season.
• Distribution Profile: Completed 1,828 passes at 74% accuracy, facilitating build-up play.
• European Pedigree: Maintained a 7.12 rating across 11 starts in the UEFA Europa League.
• Durability: Started 49 out of 50 matches in the 2025 season, proving high availability and fitness.

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