Emery casts Villa-Chelsea transfer ties as rivalry, not alliance
What's new: Emery said the clubs have completed eight deals in four years, but their relationship is driven only by transfers and fees.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery pushed back on the idea that Villa and Chelsea enjoy close relations after a string of player moves between the clubs. Emery said the connection is purely transactional, describing it as deals for money and players rather than any alliance between the Premier League rivals. BBC Sport reported Emiliano Martinez's move to Chelsea was the eighth deal between the clubs in the past four years, following Nicolas Jackson's transfer to Villa last week. Recent moves have also included Morgan Rogers going to Chelsea and Ian Maatsen joining Villa in 2024. Emery said both clubs are trying to strengthen themselves at the other's expense, even as transfer business between them has accelerated.