Chelsea ‘open’ to selling Emerson Palmieri to Lazio on loan transfer with £8m option to buy
CHELSEA are reportedly open to selling 27-year old left-back Emerson Palmieri on loan this summer, with Lazio his most likely destination.
The deal is thought to be a one-year loan with an option to buy clause of £8million.
Lazio boss Maurizio Sari is thought to be a fond admirer of Emerson having previously worked with him at Stamford Bridge.
According to Italian news outlet calciomercato.com, the Italy international remains the main target for the Roman club’s left wing.
Emerson spent last season on loan at Olympique Lyon, making 28 Ligue 1 appearances and helping them to a fourth-placed finish.
With the French side not offering the full-back a permanent contract, he is back on the market.
On Chelsea
The news of Emerson’s potential move may come as a surprise to Chelsea fans whose back line is already stretched.
The departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger to LaLiga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have left the club in a defensive quandary.
In addition, Barcelona, who have continually hampered Chelsea’s transfer plans all summer, are after more Blues defenders.
The ongoing transfer saga involving Cesar Azpilicueta is yet to be resolved, with Barcelona boss Xavi continuing his efforts to sign the Spaniard.
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Marcos Alonso was also after a move to the Catalan club.
But Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel is apparently unwilling to let either player go.
Barca’s raid of Chelsea back line has been met by a bitter response from the Blues who are refusing to do business with the Spanish giants, according to Sport.