Unai Emery Rejects Talk of Friendship with Chelsea Amid Busy Transfer Window
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has dismissed any ideas that his club shares a friendly relationship with Chelsea, even after a hectic summer involving big-name transfers between the two teams. Emery stressed that in the fierce environment of the Premier League, both clubs are rivals on and off the pitch.
Transfer Frenzy Between Aston Villa and Chelsea
The transfer market has seen remarkable activity between these sides over the past few seasons. In the latest window, Emiliano Martinez moved to Stamford Bridge for £7.5 million, following the sensational £117 million switch of Morgan Rogers. Villa responded by signing Nicolas Jackson for a club-record fee potentially reaching £65 million, while bringing in Alejandro Garnacho on loan with an option to buy.
- Money Chelsea paid Villa since 2022: £163.5 million
- Villa’s spending on Chelsea players: £102.5 million (could rise to £150.5 million if Garnacho’s deal is made permanent)
This continuous exchange has even drawn attention from other Premier League executives, though no rules appear to have been violated.
Emery: “They Want to Kill Us”
Despite constant dealings, Emery quickly shut down any suggestion of camaraderie. He described the relationship as purely transactional, based on money and players.
"Good relations? The relationship is only through the deals – for money, for other players," Emery said. "They want to kill us. And we want to kill them… it is not a good relationship. Of course, because we have good players and we can as well sign players from them, but it’s not a good relationship, it’s a deal for money and a deal for players."
The manager also highlighted Chelsea's strategy, including hiring set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, as moves to weaken Villa’s squad.
"They are signing Morgan, they are signing Emiliano Martinez to kill us," Emery added. "I am happy for Emiliano Martinez, I am happy for Morgan Rogers and, of course, I know I am not happy for Chelsea."
Villa Faces a Major Rebuild This Summer
With the exits of key players like Martinez and star striker Ollie Watkins, who joined Al-Hilal, Villa have lost six regular starters from their Europa League-winning side. Emery admitted the challenge ahead as he brings in new recruits such as Leon Goretzka and Zion Suzuki.
"I know we must rebuild the team," Emery said. "We will need time. But we must compete on Monday. We needed to compete last Sunday in Brighton but we didn’t compete. We are working every day as fast as possible to be ready, everybody."
Upcoming Test Against Arsenal
Villa face defending champions Arsenal at home on Monday, aiming to bounce back from a heavy 4-0 loss at Brighton. Emery may hand debuts to new signings Jackson, Goretzka, and Suzuki as he quickly adjusts his lineup.
"Arsenal are the favourites," Emery stated. "Arsenal, looking at the team with [Mikel] Arteta there seven years in a row, are getting better and better and are investing more and more. They are getting bigger and bigger as a club with the players they can sign. Arteta is doing a fantastic job. Arsenal are the favourites to win the Premier League and to win the Champions League. I like watching them a lot."
