Olympique Lyon are reportedly leading the race to sign Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri as per the report in French outlet L’Equipe.
The Premier League giants bought the 27-year-old back in 2018 from AS Roma for €20 million. However, the deal didn’t go according to the plan. The Italian found himself on the bench during the entirety of his time at Stamford Bridge, making only 33 league appearances over the past four campaigns.
According to the report in L’Equipe, the French club are looking to strengthen their left-back position in this transfer window and have identified Chelsea defender Emerson as their number one target. Les Gones initially tried to bring Layvin Kurzawa from Paris Saint-Germain, but Bosz’ side could not find an agreement with the player.
The report further stated that the Blues want to offload the Italian as they already have three players in that area. So, the French side are given the green light to make a move for the 27-year-old. Les Gones are willing to take the Italy international on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.
Lyon looking to sign Chelsea defender Emerson:
After starting the season poorly in the Ligue 1, the pressure has started to mount on new manager Peter Bosz. The Dutchman demanded publicly about his desire to strengthen the squad after the first game. And following the 3-0 thrashing against the Angers, the need for proper reinforcements are apparent.
Signing Emerson will solidify the left-side of Lyon. Les Gones’ struggle down the left-back was visible in the last game against Angers where Maxwel Cornet could not cope with the attacking threat of their opposition and in the end, picked up a red card. Cornet is a left-winger by trade but former manager Rudi García deployed him as a left-wing-back in a back three system.
So, the need for an experienced left-back is crucial on Peter Bosz’ side. Emerson could do that role for Lyon as the left-back is solid in defending. Despite struggling to find regular first-team action at Stamford Bridge, the defender is one of the best left-backs who can defend.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Emerson if he is to leave Chelsea and sign for Lyon. However, at the age of 27, it is better to play regular first-team football rather than sitting on the sideline.
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