‘It’s deal for money’ – Unai Emery dismisses Chelsea-Villa relationship as transfer business

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has played down suggestions of a close relationship between his club and Chelsea, insisting their recent dealings are driven by transfers rather than friendship.

Emery made the comments after Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez completed his move from Villa to Chelsea on Sunday.

The transfer is the eighth deal between the two clubs in the past four years.

The latest switch followed Nicolas Jackson’s £65 million move from Chelsea to Villa last week, while Morgan Rogers also left Villa for Stamford Bridge this summer in a deal worth £117 million.

Emery plays down relationship between clubs

Asked about the growing number of transfers between the sides, Emery rejected the idea that the clubs have developed a strong relationship.

“Good relations? They want to kill us and we want to kill them!” the Villa boss said.

He added: “We have good players and we can sign one player off them, it’s not a good relationship – it’s a deal for money and a deal for players.”

Emery also admitted he was pleased for his former players who have moved on but remains competitive whenever Villa face Chelsea.

“I am happy for Emiliano Martinez and Morgan Rogers and I know I am not happy for Chelsea,” he said.

The volume of business has attracted attention because both clubs have had to operate within domestic and European financial regulations. However, there is no suggestion that either side has breached any rules.

Eight transfers in four years

The relationship between the clubs has produced a significant amount of transfer activity since Chelsea owner BlueCo took control in 2022.

Carney Chukwuemeka was the first major deal during that period, moving to Chelsea for £20 million. Since then, Ian Maatsen, Omari Kellyman and Axel Disasi have also been involved in transfers between the clubs.

This summer has seen the biggest turnover. Rogers joined Chelsea, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on loan. Jackson then switched to Villa before Martinez completed his move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have paid Villa £163.5 million for players since 2022, while Villa have spent £102.5 million on Chelsea players. The figure could increase if Garnacho’s move becomes permanent.

UEFA can scrutinise transfers between the same clubs completed within a 45-day period, although the timing of deals alone does not establish that they were connected.

Both clubs maintain that their respective transfers were independently negotiated.