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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 8 May 2026 18:00, UK

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Unai Emery is being strongly linked with the vacant managerial position at Real Madrid and cold be tempted to leave Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.

While the Spaniard is believed to be happy at Villa Park having beaten Nottingham Forest 4-0 to reach the Europa League final, Real Madrid could be hard to turn down.

Despite the ongoing turmoil behind the scenes at the Bernabeu, there is a feeling Emery could be tempted back to his home country to take on a new challenge.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Villa hope they can keep hold of their manager, but could find it difficult.

Alvaro Arbeloa remains in charge on an interim basis after replacing Xabi Alonso, but with his exit in the summer now expected, Aston Villa have concerns about their manager.

Could Real Madrid make a move for Unai Emery?

Amid their ongoing search for a new manager, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Jurgen Klopp is a target for Real Madrid.

However, with the former Liverpool boss unlikely to make a return to management any time soon, they have instead set their sights on other targets including Emery.

While it is unclear how highly the Spaniard ranks on their list, he could be tempted if Madrid make a move, while other targets remain under consideration.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “If Unai Emery is going to be tempted away from Aston Villa, it would have to be a huge club like Real Madrid.

“A club like Real Madrid, with their ambitions, I’m sure will be attractive to pretty much all top managers out there as well.

“Aston Villa will be hoping to keep hold of him by qualifying for the Champions League this year.

“He’s done a great job at Villa, reaching the Europa League final and qualifying for the Champions League will be a very successful season for Villa.

“They’ll be pretty confident they can keep hold of Emery and it does seem Emery is happy at Villa as well.”

How does Emery feel about leaving Aston Villa?

Amid links with the vacant position at Real Madrid, there have been ongoing suggestions that Emery could be tempted to leave Villa this summer.

Frustrations surrounding the club’s lack of financial spending power given their restrictions under profit and sustainability rules are beginning to rise behind the scenes.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Emery could quit Aston Villa amid frustrations over their financial restraints, which have halted their progress.

Questions have been about whether the club will be able to match the manager’s ambitions given the restrictions have led to new concerns.

While Emery is widely believed to be happy at Villa Park, an offer from a club like Real Madrid could be the ideal opportunity for him to move on.