West Ham United have reportedly lodged a £13 million bid for Emerson Palmieri as David Moyes continues his search for defensive reinforcements.
According to The Athletic, West Ham United have offered £13 million for out-of-favour Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri. A decision will be in Chelsea’s hands to decide whether they want to sell their player to a London rival, although a move will suit all parties concerned.
West Ham United will be more active with the search for defensive reinforcements after a dismal start to their season. Their loss to Nottingham Forest at the weekend may have convinced Moyes to strengthen the backline with a long season ahead.
Summer arrival Nayef Aguerd is already in the treatment room and likely to miss the next few months, while Issa Diop has joined Fulham. The Hammers lack personnel in several defensive positions, and Moyes wants to make smart decisions.
The West Ham manager does not have good options at left-back, with Aaron Cresswell the current first-choice candidate in the position. However, the Englishman can also play in central areas amid their crisis, although Ben Johnson played there at the weekend. Bringing in a new full-back will ease many problems at the back, which has alerted West Ham to a new possibility.
Emerson Palmieri deal. West Ham have approached Chelsea to sign Italian left back, Todd Boehly made clear he only wants to sell Emerson on permanent deal, no loan. ?? #WHUFC
OGC Nice offered loan move in July and it was rejected, no more talks. It’s currently quiet. #CFC pic.twitter.com/pSCNQCd6Xj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2022
Chelsea’s out-of-favour full-back Emerson Palmieri is linked with a move, with West Ham United submitting a £13 million offer for the Italian international. It will be interesting to see whether the Blues would be open to selling a player to their London rivals, although there could be a new angle.
Chelsea may want to keep relations with the Hammers intact, as they might attempt to sign Declan Rice next summer. Hence, West Ham’s offer for Emerson could be considered, which would benefit all parties concerned. Chelsea could also use the funds to strengthen their squad, with a striker and a new midfielder still needed.
More importantly, a final decision will remain with Emerson, who also has an interest coming from Italian clubs. He may not regularly feature for Chelsea this season after falling down the pecking order, while he cannot play in central defence, which might have made Thomas Tuchel view him differently.
The arrival of Marc Cucurella could allow Chelsea to consider selling Emerson. Whether West Ham’s offer matches their valuation of the player remains to be seen, although the Blues were reportedly looking for a price close to the offer the Hammers have made.
Emerson would be a good addition who could significantly improve West Ham’s backline. He will allow Moyes to rotate his defence to its best use, as Cresswell could be regularly utilised at the heart of the West Ham defence. If the Chelsea defender signs, he will join a host of players, including Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Alphonse Areola and Maxwel Cornet, as West Ham’s summer additions.
