Chelsea are interested in signing AS Roma defender Emerson Palmieri, according to reports

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are looking to strengthen their left wing-back position to provide back-up and competition to Marcos Alonso and have identified Roma’s Emerson as a summer target.

Emerson was on loan with Roma from August 2015 during which he spent his time primarily as back-up to Lucas Digne. However, following Digne’s sale to Barcelona in the summer – from parent club PSG – Emerson was bought permanently in a deal worth €2 million.

He has since gone on to become a more prominent part of Roma’s side. He has made 29 appearances for Luciano Spalletti’s side across all competitions this season and has picked up a goal and an assist along the way.

A pacy, technically gifted player with good passing ability, Emerson also contributes defensively and is a consistent, well-rounded player. He has been registering an average of 1.61 key passes, 1.67 chances created, 1.73 tackles won, 1.91 successful take ons and 1.97 interceptions per 90 minutes in the Serie A this season, according to Squawka.

He is also a very versatile player – something that is sure to attract Conte – and has been used in a variety of positions including left midfield, left back, right back and even in central midfield. His ability to play at left midfield and left back makes him a good candidate to provide competition to Alonso at wing back.

Viorel Nicoara (L) of Astra Giurgiu vies for the ball with Emerson Palmieri (R) of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League Group E football match between FC Astra Giurgiu and AS Roma in Bucharest, on December 8, 2016. / AFP / DANIEL MIHAILESCU (Photo credit should read DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP/Getty Images)
Set for the Blues? (Photo by DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP/Getty Images)

Emerson would certainly be a good fit at Chelsea thanks to his versatility and talent. At 22 years of age, he also has a lot of potential to grow into a fine left-back who could feature in their side for years to come.

However, a deal for Emerson will definitely be complicated for Chelsea. The Brazilian only joined Roma permanently in January and his current contract runs until 2021, which will put no pressure on Roma to sell.

Emerson is also attracting interest from both Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid who have been keeping tabs on him, according to the Daily Mail. Should either of those clubs be able to offer Emerson regular first team football – something Chelsea may not be able to do – he may choose one of them over the Blues himself.

Thomas Tuchel has always had an eye for players who are on the younger side since taking over at Dortmund and could be looking for competition and back-up for Portuguese left-back Raphael Guerreiro, who has been impressive this season.

Filipe Luis has been a mainstay in Atletico Madrid’s defence this season and has performed well. But, the Brazilian international will turn 32 later this year, so it is likely that Simeone has begun looking for long-term replacements for the left-back.

His potential and his performances this season will also mean Roma are reluctant to let go of the 22-year old and if any deal were to take place, Chelsea would have to pay well over the odds for the defender meaning they could choose to pursue other targets.

Given their huge financial power that should not be a problem for the Blues, however. If Conte were to seriously pursue the defender this summer there is still a possibility that a deal could be agreed.

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