Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea finalise Emerson Palmieri option to buy as Serie A side sniff initial loan transfer for outcast

Emerson Palmieri, Italy v Argentina June 2022

Chelsea are willing to see Emerson Palmieri leave permanently for £8.4million, with Lazio reportedly seeking an initial loan deal for the full-back.

The Italian initially moved to Stamford Bridge in 2018 under the orders of Antonio Conte. In fact, Emerson became the second player Conte plucked from Roma for Chelsea after Antonio Rudiger in 2017.

But while Rudiger went on to be a dominant force at centre-back in his time at West London, Emerson has struggled.

He has only played 71 times for Chelsea and only had a bit-part role in the Premier League. Emerson’s biggest influence for the club was his Europa League stint in 2018/19 as Chelsea triumphed.

But after Maurizio Sarri’s tenure, Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel have not taken to Emerson. Indeed, Tuchel allowed the 27-year-old to move to Lyon on loan last season.

He has returned to Chelsea this summer with his future highly uncertain again. According to Il Messagero, the Blues are now open to shifting him permanently.

Lazio have emerged as contenders for an initial loan deal for Emerson to bring him back to Serie A.

Chelsea have responded by revealing they are open to seeing him off their books for good for €10million (£8.4million).

It remains unclear whether Lazio can afford that option, but he would certainly be welcome back in Serie A following his struggles for Chelsea.

Last term, Emerson played 35 times for Lyon – including 28 times in Ligue 1. He played in a variety of positions including his usual left-back, further forward down the left flank and also as an attacking midfielder.

With his contract running out in 2024, now would be the right time for Emerson and Chelsea to part ways for good.

Emerson Palmieri must seek Chelsea exit

There looks to be no way back for Emerson at Chelsea right now, even if opportunity could come knocking in the future.

Ben Chilwell is due to return to action this season after injury and will be looking to prove himself.

Meanwhile, Marcos Alonso’s situation is one to watch. The Spaniard only has one year left on his deal and has been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Are Chelses finding themselves in a difficult situation during pre-season?

Are Chelses finding themselves in a difficult situation during pre-season?

Should Chelsea fans be worried for the start of the campaign after losing out on any transfer targets and a somewhat underwhelming pre-season performance?

If Alonso left, there would be room for Emerson to fit in as Chilwell’s deputy.

As it stands, though, Emerson has failed to fully prove himself for any of the Chelsea managers he has worked with.

And a move back to Serie A could help him revive his career away from the Premier League for good.