CHELSEA HAVE COMPLETED the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, while Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, the Press Association understands.
The 33-year-old, who has been pushing to leave Villa for the last two summers, has finally got his wish, moving for £7.5 million (€8.75 million) and signing a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Martínez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and twice secured the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, is set to displace Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper.
“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” Martinez told the club’s official website. “Coming to Chelsea, for my family and me, was an easy decision to make and I’m just over the moon – I can’t wait to get started.
“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% every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.”
Martínez became the latest high-profile player to leave Villa following Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of Villa Park.
The Argentinian joined Villa in 2020 and was a key player in their rise to the top table of English football, culminating in last season’s Europa League success.
He had tried to leave last summer, but a move never materialised, and another exit attempt fell through earlier this month when a deal with Juventus collapsed.
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Villa said in a statement: “Emi joined the club from Arsenal in 2020 and has been a commanding presence in goal throughout his time at the club, which culminated in him helping Villa win the Uefa Europa League in May.
“He earned his first international caps while at Aston Villa, going on to win two Copa América titles and a Fifa World Cup with Argentina.
“He was also twice named the world’s number one goalkeeper, picking up successive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024 as well as two The Best Fifa Football awards.
“With his stellar performances and infectious competitive nature, Emi will always be remembered for his part in our recent journey and success and leaves Aston Villa with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”
Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
The deal for Brazil international Jesus is believed to be worth €10 million and is likely to be completed before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Jesus had also been linked with a move to Serie A side Napoli.
The 29-year-old has scored 32 goals in 123 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from Premier League rivals Manchester City for £45m (€52.5 million) in 2022.
Two serious knee injuries have hampered his time at the Emirates Stadium.
Jesus made just three top-flight starts last term as the Gunners won the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
He did not feature in Mikel Arteta’s match-day squads for the 3-0 Community Shield victory over his former club City on 16 August and last Friday’s 3-0 league success against Coventry.
Ollie Watkins scored 91 goals in 221 appearances for Aston Villa. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
Finally, Ollie Watkins has thanked Aston Villa fans “from the bottom of my heart” after joining Al Hilal on a three-year deal.
The England international has become the latest big name to leave Villa Park this summer as he sealed a £50 million (€58.33 million) move to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, a week after sitting out Villa’s opening match of the season which ended in a 4-0 loss to Brighton.
It brings to an end a six-year spell at Villa, during which time Watkins became the club’s Premier League record scorer with 91 goals in the top flight and helped them to win last season’s Europa League.
“Firstly, I’d like to say never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way,” Watkins said in a video posted on Instagram.
“With that being said, I’m eternally grateful for the last six years. Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person. We’ve been through so many ups and downs during my six seasons here.
“But one thing that has never changed is that I’ve given everything for this club. From my first goals in the 7-2 win against Liverpool, getting the club back into Europe, the Champions League nights at Villa Park, to that unforgettable night in Istanbul.”
After thanking his three managers at Villa Park – Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery – Watkins added: “It’s time for a new chapter that I’m excited about. However, I close this chapter with a heavy heart. Villa will always mean so much to me. Thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart.”
A Villa statement said: “Capable of scoring different types of goals with a ruthless streak, allied to a selfless work ethic for his team’s benefit, Watkins leaves Villa having played his part in our UEFA Europa League victory and with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”
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Martínez seals Chelsea move, Arsenal forward close to Barcelona switch
Updated at 18.34
CHELSEA HAVE COMPLETED the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, while Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, the Press Association understands.
The 33-year-old, who has been pushing to leave Villa for the last two summers, has finally got his wish, moving for £7.5 million (€8.75 million) and signing a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Martínez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and twice secured the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, is set to displace Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper.
“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% every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.”
Martínez became the latest high-profile player to leave Villa following Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of Villa Park.
The Argentinian joined Villa in 2020 and was a key player in their rise to the top table of English football, culminating in last season’s Europa League success.
He had tried to leave last summer, but a move never materialised, and another exit attempt fell through earlier this month when a deal with Juventus collapsed.
Villa said in a statement: “Emi joined the club from Arsenal in 2020 and has been a commanding presence in goal throughout his time at the club, which culminated in him helping Villa win the Uefa Europa League in May.
“He earned his first international caps while at Aston Villa, going on to win two Copa América titles and a Fifa World Cup with Argentina.
“With his stellar performances and infectious competitive nature, Emi will always be remembered for his part in our recent journey and success and leaves Aston Villa with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”
The deal for Brazil international Jesus is believed to be worth €10 million and is likely to be completed before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Jesus had also been linked with a move to Serie A side Napoli.
The 29-year-old has scored 32 goals in 123 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from Premier League rivals Manchester City for £45m (€52.5 million) in 2022.
Two serious knee injuries have hampered his time at the Emirates Stadium.
Jesus made just three top-flight starts last term as the Gunners won the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
He did not feature in Mikel Arteta’s match-day squads for the 3-0 Community Shield victory over his former club City on 16 August and last Friday’s 3-0 league success against Coventry.
Finally, Ollie Watkins has thanked Aston Villa fans “from the bottom of my heart” after joining Al Hilal on a three-year deal.
The England international has become the latest big name to leave Villa Park this summer as he sealed a £50 million (€58.33 million) move to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, a week after sitting out Villa’s opening match of the season which ended in a 4-0 loss to Brighton.
It brings to an end a six-year spell at Villa, during which time Watkins became the club’s Premier League record scorer with 91 goals in the top flight and helped them to win last season’s Europa League.
“Firstly, I’d like to say never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way,” Watkins said in a video posted on Instagram.
“With that being said, I’m eternally grateful for the last six years. Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person. We’ve been through so many ups and downs during my six seasons here.
“But one thing that has never changed is that I’ve given everything for this club. From my first goals in the 7-2 win against Liverpool, getting the club back into Europe, the Champions League nights at Villa Park, to that unforgettable night in Istanbul.”
After thanking his three managers at Villa Park – Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery – Watkins added: “It’s time for a new chapter that I’m excited about. However, I close this chapter with a heavy heart. Villa will always mean so much to me. Thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart.”
A Villa statement said: “Capable of scoring different types of goals with a ruthless streak, allied to a selfless work ethic for his team’s benefit, Watkins leaves Villa having played his part in our UEFA Europa League victory and with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”
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