Report – London rivals came the closest to securing Chelsea star in the summer

West Ham United came the closest to signing Chelsea star Emerson Palmieri this summer

According to Area Napoli (h/t Football.london), Chelsea star Emerson Palmieri was close to joining West Ham United in the summer.

The Italian international failed to make a mark at the club last season. He appeared to be on his way out, with a number of clubs in the fray for his signature.

The report claims that of all the teams, our London neighbours were the ones closest to securing the player.

Emerson did not move and stayed put at the club. It would appear that the Hammers have now lost their chance to secure him.

Serie A duo Inter Milan and Juventus are ahead of them in the pecking order for Emerson. Having played for Roma and Palermo, the 26-year-old is familiar with the Italian game.

With the Italians giants set to step up their interest, West Ham can kiss their hopes of signing Emerson goodbye.

With the arrival of Ben Chilwell, Emerson has been largely limited to peripheral appearances. Of his three appearances this season, two have come in the Carabao Cup.

Emerson could, however, find himself ahead of Marcos Alonso in the pecking order. The Spaniard and Frank Lampard had a falling out at West Brom. He has not featured for the Blues since.

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Emerson is at best the second-choice left-back at the club. If Alonso’s situation does not improve, it remains to be seen if the Blues would rather sell him than the Italian.

Emerson has made 58 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions. During this time, he has scored one goal and assisted five. (h/t Transfermarkt)