Transfer News: Ligue 1 giants in talks with Chelsea to sign out-of-favour defensive star

Transfer News: Olympique Lyon in talks with Chelsea for Emerson Palmieri

According to transfer news from Lequipe (via Fabrizio Romano), Olympique Lyon have been in contact with Chelsea over a move for Emerson Palmieri. The French club are looking to bring in a new left-back and the Italian is one of the options they are considering.

It’s somewhat difficult to label Emerson’s time at Chelsea. Since his move in 2018, he has hardly been the first choice for any of his managers. Only Maurizio Sarri gave him a decent run of games in his sole season in charge while Frank Lampard only used him frequently in his first season.

It always felt like he was a squad player at best, to be utilised during cup games. At first, it was Marcos Alonso and then came Ben Chilwell. He fell down the pecking order to the point that he made only two appearances in the Premier League last season. However, he showed his capabilities with Italy when called upon and won the Euros.

Lyon are keen on signing a new left-back. With a move for Layvin Kurzawa collapsing, they have turned their attention to Emerson of Chelsea. He is among the few options the French side have kept in hand. It is believed that the EURO 2020 winner will cost around £15m.

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Chelsea have good depth in the wingback/left-back area. Chilwell is backed up by Alonso and even Christian Pulisic has been tried out in the position. Emerson is still likely to be out of favour even after his successful EURO 2020. Letting him leave for that amount should not come back to haunt Chelsea too much.