Chelsea FC left-back Emerson Palmieri has reportedly handed in a transfer request amid rumours of interest from Inter Milan. The Italian international has been frozen out of Frank Lampard’s squad in recent weeks. The Blues coach has been wanting to sign a new left-back for his side in the ongoing transfer window.
Serie A sides Inter Milan and Juventus both have been considered to be the frontrunners in the race to sign Emerson. The 25-year old wing back joined Chelsea FC from AS Roma in January 2018 for a fee of €20 million. He was a regular starter under former Blues manager Maurizio Sarri, however, has been unable to claim a spot in the Chelsea FC starting lineup this season under Frank Lampard.
Reports suggest that Emerson seeks a return to Italy in the hope of more first-team opportunities. The 25-year old Italian does not wish to miss out on next year’s UEFA Euros due to less game time for the Blues. At Inter Milan, Emerson is promised more first-team chances under Antonio Conte, his former Chelsea FC boss.
Signing a new left-back for the Blues has been a long-term priority for Frank Lampard. The Chelsea FC manager has been left unimpressed by the displays of both Marcos Alonso and Emerson in the current season. As a result, both defenders could be on their way out of Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.
With Lampard wanting to sign more highly-rated players such as Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell, the Blues coach wants to offload certain players to raise more funds for future transfers. Chilwell has been valued at around £80 million by his side Leicester City. To meet such a hefty amount, Lampard will need to sell some fringe players in his current squad at Chelsea FC.
Emerson’s transfer is expected to cost Inter Milan around a €25 million. The Italian left-back could be initially signed on a season-long loan by the Nerazzurri. However, the loan agreement would contain a permanent obligation to buy for the Serie A side.
