According to a recent report by Italian news source TuttoSport, Italian full-back Emerson Palmieri has stated that he dislikes Frank Lampard’s proactive training methods. The former AS Roma defender then went on to say that he doesn’t enjoy working with ‘sergeants’ like Lampard, who is known for conducting high intensity sessions. The Italian international has questioned the manager’s perennial touch-line presence as well. It has been claimed that the London club will expect somewhere in the region of £25m for the defender’s services.
A related report by the Daily Express suggests that reigning Italian champions Juventus are keen on the full-back’s signature, with Maurizio Sarri’s side ready to come to the fore and get this deal through the door. It has also been claimed that Frank Lampard is keen to strengthen in the left-back position, with star names like Alex Telles, Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella all being linked.
Chelsea’s other left-back option – Marcos Alonso, has been linked with a move to Inter Milan. However, given the Spaniard’s form over the last couple of months, it’s much more likely that Lampard would look to offload Emerson instead.
What Is Emerson Palmieri’s Legacy At Stamford Bridge?
The Brazilian-born Italian international has been a member of the Stamford Bridge squad since the winter of 2018 but has struggled to earn a place in the side. Although his transfer from AS Roma on the 31st of January was seen as a step in the right direction by Blues fans, it’s turned out to be far worse than what they actually thought. Despite making a move to London midway through the 17/18 campaign, the Italian only made five appearances for the rest of the season.
Although things did get better for him in the second term, his ten league appearances were certainly an underwhelming number. The Italian was brought in to compete with the attack-minded Marcos Alonso, while also providing some much-needed defensive cover that the Spaniard just fails to do. Despite this, the former Santos man was unable to have any sort of consistent impact within the team.
Even in the latest season under Frank Lampard, although the Italian did play in 14 league fixtures, he wasn’t given an opportunity in the side after January. Also, he is yet to score a league goal for the Blues as well. The former AS Roma man has played in just over 50 appearances for the London club and only has five assists and a goal to show for his efforts. Having made his national team debut in 2018, the Italian has played in a further six fixtures for the national side.
Why Chelsea Should Sell Emerson And Keep Marcos Alonso?
The Spaniard was brought back into the team by Lampard over the last couple of months, and it’s safe to say that he had quite the impact. While the former Fiorentina man can’t defend, his attacking play is undoubtedly top-notch, and Lampard has been quick to identify that.
Emerson, on the other hand, seems to have a somewhat balanced skill-set but doesn’t have the overall quality or composure required to sustain in the fast-paced action of the Premier League. Frank Lampard has undoubtedly revolutionised this Chelsea team, and with the fans now on his side as well, selling a player like Emerson would be a cake-walk for the gaffer.
