Chelsea have had a dodgy start to their campaign; winning just once in their first four Premier League games. They failed to keep a two goal lead against newly-promoted Sheffield United, and their only win came against Norwich City where they had to score three to beat them by three goals to two.
The emergence of Emerson under Lampard
Defence seems to be a significant issue for Lampard at the moment as his side has conceded nine goals so far. Only Norwich City have a worse defensive record in the Premier League as they have let in 10. Amid all these, reports from Gazzetta Dello Sport as cited by the Metro indicates that Emerson Palmieri could be handed a new, improved deal. The Italian is already on a long term contract as he joined the club in January 2018 and his current deal runs until 2022.
The player though is set to be handed a raise as his wages will rise from £3.5m to £4.5m/year. The left-back has been one of the few promising performers at the back for the Pensioners, and he has managed to catch Lampard’s eye so far. Emerson has played every minute of football for the Blues so far including the 120 minutes in the Super Cup final against Liverpool.
The defender is seeing quite a change in fortune as he started in just seven games in the Premier League last season and made three further appearances from the bench. Maurizio Sarri often preferred Marcos Alonso even though he was a defensive liability on numerous occasions.
With a change in the manager, it has brought a change in fortune for Emerson as he seems to be firmly in plans for Lampard. After just a handful of games, he is in line to get a new contract.
Right call from Chelsea?
We don’t understand the hurry from Chelsea to get him on a new contract. The defender has looked bright, but he has played just four games in the Premier League this season. Moreover, Emerson is already on a long term contract so the Blues should take their time before thinking about handing him a new deal.
Maybe the Blues see him as a real long term prospect at the club as he is still just 25. However, we would give him until December-January to prove his worth further and then the Blues can think about offering him a new deal.
Maybe the Chelsea board is just bored after seeing no transfer action this summer, so they are jumping the gun with player’s contract extension. Emerson has done well, and if he carries on like this, then he will be worthy of a new deal but not right now.
