Willy Caballero Joins Chelsea on Free Transfer After Leaving Manchester City

Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Willy Caballero on a free transfer after the Argentinian left Manchester City at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

The club announced the new recruit via their website on Saturday, and Caballero spoke of his delight to join the Premier League champions: "I am very happy to join Chelsea, the champions of England. I am looking forward to meeting the guys and helping the club achieve more success in the coming season."

The 35-year-old moves to Stamford Bridge in the knowledge he'll function as deputy to No. 1 Thibaut Courtois following Asmir Begovic's move to Bournemouth this summer.

After three years in England following a 2014 move from Malaga, it was Caballero's priority to remain in the Premier League that largely fuelled the swift deal, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

The veteran's only title during that spell at City, however, was the League Cup triumph of 2015-16, and he may stand a greater chance of adding to that tally under debutant league-winning manager Antonio Conte.

Despite the fact Caballero will also feature as a reserve option at his new club, just as he did for the vast majority of his stay at the Etihad Stadium, one could easily say he's pulled off an impressive late upgrade in his career.

That will undoubtedly motivate him to do even greater things in west London as Chelsea come into a campaign in which they and his previous club are bound to be vying for the same silverware.

Squawka provided a breakdown of Caballero's Premier League record last season, where he rose to first choice under chief Pep Guardiola during Claudio Bravo's slump in form while Joe Hart was on loan at Torino:

Technical director Michael Emenalo also spoke highly of Chelsea's first senior signing of the summer window:

"We are very happy to have Willy on board. He knows the Premier League and is tried and tested at the top of the game.

"We have three experienced goalkeepers, and we look forward to welcoming him to the club when the squad returns to pre-season training."

Chelsea's tradition of recruiting experienced No. 2s continues under Conte, who will hope the acquisition of another seasoned spine behind Courtois can help him retain the top-flight crown.