London, Aug 28 (V7N)- Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for a reported fee of £7.5 million (approximately Tk 126 crore).
The 33-year-old goalkeeper signed a two-year contract with Chelsea on Thursday (August 27), bringing an end to his six-year spell with Aston Villa.
Martinez's representatives contacted Chelsea last Wednesday, after which negotiations progressed rapidly and the two sides finalized the agreement. The Argentine is expected to challenge for a place in Chelsea's first-team starting XI.
Aston Villa had been looking to sell Martinez following the arrival of Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki during the current transfer window. Martinez was also linked with a move to Juventus earlier this month, but the proposed deal ultimately collapsed.
Chelsea's decision to bring in Martinez comes amid renewed concerns over Robert Sanchez's performances. Sanchez came under criticism after failing to stop a relatively straightforward effort from Josh King during Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports that it would be “impossible” for Chelsea to win the league with Sanchez as their goalkeeper. Former England defender Gary Neville also believes Chelsea needed to strengthen in the position, describing goalkeeper as the club's final major weakness before the transfer window closes.
Sanchez has previously been dropped by several Chelsea managers because of inconsistent performances. Mauricio Pochettino replaced him with Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic in 2024, while Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior have also left Sanchez out of their starting line-ups at different times.
Martinez joined Aston Villa from Arsenal for £17 million in 2020 and established himself as one of the club's key players. At international level, he has helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles and the 2022 Finalissima.
Now, all eyes will be on whether the experienced Argentine goalkeeper can establish himself as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper.
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