Unai Emery Rejects Talk of Friendship with Chelsea Amid Busy Transfer Summer

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has firmly dismissed any claims suggesting a friendly relationship between his club and Chelsea, even though the two clubs have been heavily involved in transfer deals this summer. Emery stressed that the Premier League's competitive spirit means the sides are rivals both on and off the pitch.

Transfer Activity Between Aston Villa and Chelsea

The summer window saw a remarkable exchange of players between these clubs. Emiliano Martinez moved to Stamford Bridge for £7.5 million after Morgan Rogers' high-profile transfer worth £117 million. In return, Villa secured Nicolas Jackson for a club-record fee reaching up to £65 million, while Alejandro Garnacho joined on loan with an obligation to buy.

The financial figures are eye-catching: since 2022, Chelsea has spent £163.5 million on Villa players, whereas Villa has invested £102.5 million on Chelsea’s talent. This amount could rise to £150.5 million if Garnacho's loan deal becomes permanent. The volume and value of these transactions have caught attention among Premier League officials, but no financial misconduct has been suggested.

Emery’s Take on Relations with Chelsea

"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 Aston Villa boss pointed out that Chelsea’s signing of key figures, such as set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, was aimed at weakening Villa’s squad. "They are signing Morgan, they are signing Emiliano Martinez to kill us," he added. "I am happy for Emiliano Martinez, I am happy for Morgan Rogers and, of course, I know I am not happy for Chelsea."

A Major Rebuild for Villa

Villa faces a tough period after losing six regular starters, including Martinez and star striker Ollie Watkins, who transferred to Al-Hilal. Emery acknowledged the challenge of incorporating new players like Leon Goretzka and Zion Suzuki. "I know we must rebuild the team," he 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 Challenge Against Arsenal

Villa prepares to host reigning champions Arsenal on Monday after a heavy 4-0 loss to Brighton. Emery might debut newcomers Jackson, Goretzka, and Suzuki as he rushes to strengthen his squad.

"Arsenal are the favourites," Emery said. "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."

• Premier League Fixtures:
• Aston Villa vs Arsenal: 31 Aug 2026, 21:00
• Arsenal vs Chelsea: 6 Sept 2026, 17:30