Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a January move for AS Roma defender Emerson Palmieri in order to beef up Antonio Conte’s wide defensive options.
According to renowned Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea could move in the January transfer market to beef up their options on the left side. Antonio Conte is reportedly looking at the possibility of bringing over Emerson Palmieri over from AS Roma in January.
Emerson Palmieri arrived in Italy in 2014 on loan at Palermo. And the player impressed in his debut Serie A season to return, on a temporary move again, this time at AS Roma, who took the player on a two-season loan with an option to make it permanent – an option they chose to exercise in January, 2017.
The player has been jostling with a long-term injury – a cruciate ligament rupture – in the current season, which has curtailed his involvement. But, he has finally returned in the scheme of things, with the jury still out on whether he can return to his pre-injury form or perhaps even better.
Chelsea have inquired about Emerson Palmieri. He could be sacrificed to raise funds (Di Marzio) pic.twitter.com/tIApD6LvPI
— Flo-Calcio AS Roma (@CalcioASRoma) January 16, 2018
The Brazilian-Italian though, could be on his way out of Roma, with Antonio Conte eyeing a move for the 23-year-old. Chelsea do have a dearth of options on the left side, with Marcos Alonso the only one of quality at Conte’s disposal. The Blues seem to have admitted defeat in the pursuit of Alex Sandro after being put off by the player’s mammoth price tag.
At 23, the player would be a long-term addition at the club. Additionally, Palmieri would not warrant the status of a starter immediately upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, given his recent injury. The player will also be eligible to represent Chelsea in the Champions League as well – another positive.
AS Roma have done well without Emerson Palmieri’s involvement this season and with the Giallorossi looking to reinforce other positions, they could sacrifice the 23-year-old if a good offer comes their way.
On Emerson Palmieri –
Contact made by Chelsea.
Player wants Chelsea over other clubs. Liverpool and Juventus interested.
Roma will sell for £20m.
He was seen as the Alex Sandro replacement at Juventus ?
— Simon Phillips (@SiPhillipsSport) January 17, 2018
Chelsea have struggled in the recent matches and an infusion of a new face might just be the antidote for the Blues’ poor form. Antonio Conte could also be able to land the 23-year-old for a relatively cheaper price, given his return from injury and his lost status in the dressing room at AS Roma.
This looks like the kind of deal Chelsea could complete towards the absolute end of the transfer window, as they did for Marcos Alonso and Davide Zappacosta in the earlier windows.
