(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Thu 23 April 2026 7:30, UK

Chelsea are assessing their options after sacking Liam Rosenior this Wednesday, and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is emerging as a favourite to take the hot seat at Stamford Bridge next.

The Blues parted ways with Rosenior after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton, as Todd Boehly and Co. may have Emery on their list of options for their replacement.

Villa have had success under the former Arsenal boss since he came to Villa Park, but there are concerns over his long-term future.

The Spaniard has been linked with several big clubs in the past, and some may believe that he will eventually leave due to off-field issues.

Now, Emery is emerging as a top contendor to replace Rosenior at Chelsea, which may be Aston Villa’s worst nightmare.

Unai Emery a favourite for Chelsea job along with Frank Lampard

Some have suggested that Emery could walk away from Villa this summer due to poor transfer business, and that is without interest from Chelsea.

It’s not yet known if Chelsea will hire a replacement for Rosenior this season or in the summer, but either way, if the Blues came in for Emery, Villa could be in trouble.

Villa are currently fourth in the Premier League, 10 points in front of Chelsea with a game in hand ahead of their showdown against Fulham this Saturday.

Despite on-field success, Emery could take up the Chelsea job, as one major bookmaker has the 54-year-old as a 12/1 favourite to land the Stamford Bridge gig.

Emery is among some of the top candidates to replace Rosenior, with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone a 4/1 favourite, as Chelsea legend and current Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard has odds of 10/1.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is joint on 12/1 with Emery, as former England manager Gareth Southgate sits behind them with odds of 16/1.

Why would Emery leave Aston Villa?

There are many reasons why Emery would leave Aston Villa, but it’s more likely to happen following discussions this summer.

Villa’s owners, NSWE, may have to sell Morgan Rogers, possibly even to Chelsea, as PSR constraints remain a problem in B6.

There’s a good chance that the Villans qualify for the Champions League again this season, but Emery would most likely demand an active summer transfer window.

If Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris can’t promise him that, he could put himself forward for the Chelsea job.

However, if offered the role anytime soon, the former Villarreal boss may jump ship before it’s too late.