The transfer pipeline between the two clubs has seen several players move between them in recent seasons. Chelsea paid £117m to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa this summer, while Aston Villa signed Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £65m. Alejandro Garnacho also joined Villa from Chelsea on a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy. In addition, Aston Villa signed Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea last year and paid £37.5m to sign Ian Maatsen permanently from the London club in 2024.
Emery downplayed the notion that Villa enjoy good relations with Chelsea, stating that the relationship is only through deals for money and players. He also expressed his desire to rebuild the team and compete against Arsenal on Monday, who are favourites to retain the Premier League and win the Champions League, according to Emery.