Emi Martinez to Chelsea: £7.5m fee agreed

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign goalkeeper Emi Martinez for a fee of £7.5m. The Argentine World Cup winner is set to sign a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge with an option for a further 12 months, according to David Ornstein.

The 33-year-old has reportedly given the “green light” to the move after a verbal agreement was reached between the two clubs. The deal is for a permanent transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano. This development follows reports of a breakthrough in negotiations earlier today. Martinez will bring significant experience to the Chelsea squad following his successful stint in the Midlands.

Chelsea have been active in the market today with several major outgoings and arrivals. The club has also agreed to sell striker Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa in a separate deal worth approximately £65m, according to Fabrizio Romano. Additionally, the Blues have secured a £40m deal for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor. The Martinez move adds a proven winner to the goalkeeping department as the transfer window nears its conclusion.

The deal

Fee: £7.5m (Ben Jacobs)
Contract: Two years (David Ornstein)
Option: Further 12 months (Ben Jacobs)
Stage: Verbal agreement reached (Fabrizio Romano)

Martinez joined Aston Villa in 2020 and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. He played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. His arrival at Chelsea marks a shift in the club’s recruitment strategy toward experienced leadership in key positions.

SPORF FACTFILE

Emiliano Martinez

Age	33
Position	Goalkeeper
Nationality	Argentina
Current club	Aston Villa

What happens next

Martinez is expected to travel to London to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms. The clubs will work to complete the necessary paperwork before the transfer deadline. Once confirmed, he will compete for the starting spot in Enzo Maresca’s side.

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