Unai Emery has played down suggestions of a positive relationship between Chelsea and Aston Villa despite the numerous player transactions involving the two sides.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez completed a move from Villa to Chelsea on Sunday, becoming the eighth player transferred between the clubs within four years.
Martinez joined Chelsea shortly after Nicolas Jackson made the switch in the opposite direction.
During the past four years, no other pair of Premier League teams has completed more permanent or temporary player moves with each other.
However, Villa manager Emery maintained that the connection between the clubs exists purely because of financial agreements.
When asked whether the clubs were on friendly terms, he replied: “They are trying to beat us, and we are trying to beat them.”
“Both sides have talented players and may recruit from one another, but that does not mean the relationship is friendly. These are financial and sporting transactions.”
“I am pleased for Emiliano Martinez and Morgan Rogers, but I cannot say I am pleased for Chelsea.”
The run of transfers started after BlueCo assumed control of Chelsea in 2022. That summer, Carney Chukwuemeka arrived from Villa for £20m. Ian Maatsen later moved to Villa for £37.5m, Omari Kellyman joined Chelsea for £19m, and Axel Disasi went to Villa on loan for £5m.
Four additional agreements have been completed this summer. Morgan Rogers secured a £117m transfer to Chelsea, while Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa on loan under a deal containing a conditional purchase requirement valued at approximately £43m.
Jackson subsequently completed a £65m move to Villa, with Martinez heading the other way afterward.
Chelsea have spent £163.5m on players from Aston Villa since 2022. Over the same period, Villa have committed £102.5m to Chelsea players, including the loan payment for Axel Disasi. Villa’s total expenditure could reach £150.5m if the conditions required to turn Garnacho’s loan into a permanent transfer are fulfilled, with Chelsea expecting those targets to be achievable.
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