Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Emery Dismisses Special Relationship Amid Aston Villa-Chelsea Transfers
Aston Villa and Chelsea have transferred many players between their clubs.
They have made eight permanent or loan deals in the past four years.
This is more deals than any other pair of Premier League teams.
Villa manager Unai Emery said the clubs are not special friends.
He said the transfers are mainly business deals involving money and players.
Emery also said both teams want to beat each other.
Players involved include Morgan Rogers, Alejandro Garnacho, Nicolas Jackson and Emiliano Martinez.
Aston Villa are scheduled to play Arsenal on Monday.
Unai Emery said Aston Villa and Chelsea’s transfer dealings are business transactions, not evidence of a special relationship.
The clubs have agreed eight permanent or loan deals over the past four years, more than any other Premier League pairing.
Emery said the clubs remain fierce competitors, telling reporters: “They want to kill us and we want to kill them.”
Recent moves have involved Morgan Rogers, Alejandro Garnacho, Nicolas Jackson and Emiliano Martinez.
British media reported Chelsea have spent more than £160 million on Villa players since 2022, while Villa have spent about £102 million in return.
- Who
- Aston Villa manager Unai Emery discussed Aston Villa’s transfer dealings with Chelsea.
- What
- Emery said the clubs’ eight recent player deals are business transactions rather than evidence of a special relationship.
- When
- Emery made the comments on Sunday; Aston Villa are scheduled to play Arsenal on Monday.
- Where
- The issue concerns Aston Villa and Chelsea in the Premier League.
- Why
- Emery said the deals involve money and players, while the clubs remain competitive rivals.
- Manager
- Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager
- Transfer deals
- Eight permanent or loan deals between Aston Villa and Chelsea over four years
- Chelsea spending
- More than £160 million on Villa players since 2022, according to British media
- Villa spending
- About £102 million on players moving from Chelsea, according to British media
- Recent transfers
- The article identifies Morgan Rogers, Alejandro Garnacho, Nicolas Jackson and Emiliano Martinez
- Upcoming match
- Aston Villa are scheduled to host Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday