(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Wed 29 April 2026 13:30, UK

Chelsea are still searching for Liam Rosenior’s successor, and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been mooted to take over at Stamford Bridge.

The Villa manager looks set to lead his side into another season of Champions League football with a top five finish in the Premier League on the cards.

It comes as no surprise to see Emery be tipped for the role at Chelsea, though it’s a job that may worry the Villans if an approach did come in for him.

NSWE hold the Spaniard in high regard, but know that their financial strain could push the former Arsenal boss away from Villa Park.

However, it looks as though Aston Villa have confidence in keeping Emery, despite recent speculation linking him to the Chelsea job.

Aston Villa are making summer plans with Unai Emery

As soon as Rosenior was sacked, Emery emerged as a favourite to be the next Chelsea manager, though no direct conversations have happened.

The Blues have the likes of Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Xabi Alonso on their list of candidates, and it’s not known whether they still appreciate Emery or not.

According to The Athletic, there have been “no indications” that the Villa boss will depart B6 this summer, but it would be no surprise to see him linked to various jobs.

Club sources have revealed that Villa are currently making summer transfer plans with Emery involved in discussions, and he is seen as the “kingmaker” at Villa Park.

Since Emery emerged as a favourite for the role, things have changed, with Chelsea now reportedly in contact with Alonso, among others, for the role.

Would Emery walk from Aston Villa this summer?

By the sounds of it, no, but there is a chance that NSWE could frustrate him once again this summer.

Morgan Rogers may need to be sold to raise funds in an attempt to ease PSR concerns, and while the Villa boss may accept that, he may be keen to see how money is then spent.

Considering he now has his old friend Roberto Olabe working with him on transfers behind closed doors, there is a good chance that business will be better than last summer.

However, key areas need to be improved on, and if NSWE are tight with their budget, Emery may be left unhappy, and a target for clubs across Europe.

For now, it looks as though Emery’s story will continue at Villa Park, as this season could still end with a trophy win amid an ongoing quest in the Europa League.