According to Tuttosport, Chelsea are bracing themselves for a Juventus raid for the services of Emerson Palmieri. The left-back, currently on loan at Olympique Lyon, has emerged as one of the potential targets for the Bianconeri next summer as they look to shore up their options in the left-back department. Palmieri himself is open to leaving Stamford Bridge and a potential return to Serie A could be on the horizon.
Emerson’s Immense Success At Lyon
Emerson Palmieri joined Olympique Lyon last summer on a season-long loan deal. He joined the French club in order to gain more game-time at the highest level of football, after his own place in the Chelsea side was endangered by the arrival of Ben Chilwell.
As we move towards the final phase of the campaign, Emerson has emerged as one of the star performers in Ligue 1 this term. He has been an ever-present figure in the Lyon backline, racking up 22 league appearances, during which he has scored one goal while mustering two assists.
The Italian’s performances have been vital in helping Lyon float in mid-table and not get dragged further down the league table. Les Gones do not have an option to make the move permanent either, meaning the left-back is set to return to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Emerson’s stay at Chelsea might not last for long, though, with Juventus increasingly keen on securing the services of the Italian.
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Should Tuchel Sanction The Move?
Thomas Tuchel is set to face a difficult summer ahead of him. Roman Abramovich’s recent sanction has effectively banned any transfer activity from the Blues, which could see many star players leaving the club in the summer, including the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta.
With that in mind, Chelsea would need to make the most out of their returning players, and that is where Emerson Palmieri could come into the fray. Given the way how the Blues have suffered due to injuries to Ben Chilwell this season, Tuchel will be desperate for a new left-back in the new season, especially with the German having close to no faith in Marcos Alonso.
Emerson, to that end, could prove to be an ideal replacement. Chelsea were even reportedly keen on bringing the Italian back to Stamford Bridge in January when Chilwell’s knee surgery first came into light.
While the Premier League giants couldn’t strike a deal in January, they should surely look to keep hold of Emerson in the summer, especially with the prospect of a transfer embargo looming large.
