Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for £7.5 million. The nearly 34-year-old is set to join Stamford Bridge on a two-year contract, subject to completing a medical examination in London and formally signing the deal. The agreement includes an option to extend the contract by one additional year.

Chelsea were seeking a reliable and experienced goalkeeper after recent performances and errors by Robert Sanchez in the Premier League. Martinez’s arrival is expected to provide additional reassurance and depth to the team’s defensive setup at Stamford Bridge. The goalkeeper had been awaiting a new challenge over recent seasons.

Juventus had shown interest in Martinez early in the transfer window, but that proposed move collapsed because of complications involving a finger injury. Aston Villa have already secured Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for £25 million, making him their new number one goalkeeper.