Chelsea and Aston Villa Reach Eight Transfers in Four Years

Chelsea and Aston Villa have completed eight permanent or loan deals between them in four years, a total matched only by Chelsea and Brighton among Premier League clubs. BBC Sport's count covers the 15 teams that have remained in the division since the summer of 2022 and puts the growing Stamford Bridge-Villa Park connection at the top of its list.

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The latest move is Emiliano Martinez's transfer from Villa to Chelsea for £7.5 million. The 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper signed a three-year contract after making 256 appearances for Villa following his arrival from Arsenal in 2020. He helped Villa win last season's Europa League and was part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning side.

The sequence began with Carney Chukwuemeka's £20 million move from Villa to Chelsea in 2022. Ian Maatsen later went to Villa for £37.5 million, Omari Kellyman joined Chelsea for £19 million, and Axel Disasi moved to Villa on a loan carrying a £5 million fee. Those four transactions were followed by another four this summer.

BBC Sport reports that Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea from Villa for £117 million, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on loan with a conditional obligation worth about £43 million. Nicolas Jackson then signed for Villa for £65 million before Martinez became the fourth player to move between the clubs during the current window.

On the figures compiled by BBC Sport, Chelsea have paid Villa £163.5 million for players since 2022. Villa have spent £102.5 million on Chelsea players, including Disasi's loan fee. Their total could rise to £150.5 million if the conditions that make Garnacho's transfer permanent are met; Chelsea believe those conditions are readily achievable.

The frequency and timing of the business have drawn attention, but BBC Sport states there is no suggestion either club has broken any rules. UEFA can scrutinize deals between the same clubs completed within 45 days. Rogers and Garnacho moved two days apart, while Jackson's transfer was completed 38 days after Rogers' deal. BBC Sport also reports that Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Villa owner Nassef Sawiris have developed a close working relationship and communicate directly over transfers. Chelsea and Villa were approached for comment.