Emerson Palmieri and Jorginho celebrate Euro 2020 win (imago Images)
According to reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Italian international Emerson Palmieri will return to Chelsea at the end of the season when his loan at Olympique Lyon comes to an end.
The full-back has enjoyed limited success at Stamford Bridge, making a mere 71 appearances, scoring two goals and assisting five more since joining the club in 2018. It represents a paltry return from a player who starred for Italy at last summer’s Euros.
The Blues signed Ben Chilwell last season and the Englishman quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice left-back. Marcos Alonso also stepped up his game, meaning that Emerson was effectively the club’s third-choice player in the position.
Winning the Euros with Italy last summer did his chances of success at Chelsea little help and he was shipped out to Ligue 1 on a season-long loan. Emerson has found opportunities easier to come by at Lyon, making 33 appearances for the French giants, scoring one goal and two assists.
Despite the success he has had at the Groupama Stadium, he is set to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. Given the Blues’ current situation, it is fair to say that the club is not in a position to entertain transfer offers.
That being said, there appears to be significant interest in Emerson’s services. One of the teams in the fray for the 27-year-old is Italian giants Juventus. The Bianconeri could be in the market for someone to compete for Alex Sandro’s position down the left flank and it remains to be seen if Emerson will be their man.
Chelsea face a summer or revamp and what the future holds will be interesting to see. Emerson has never quite stood out as a Chelsea favourite and it will come as a surprise if he is not moved on soon.
It is perhaps ironic that Chelsea could have done with Emerson this season. Chilwell’s season-ending injury has left Thomas Tuchel shortchanged in the position meaning another left-back would have had a larger role to play in the campaign.
Kenedy was recalled in January from Flamengo but the Blues did not really see a lot of the Brazilian. With the Englishman on his way back to first-team action in the near future, perhaps it is time to finally move Emerson out for good.
That is, if Marcos Alonso stays with the club past this summer. If not, it would not be the worst idea to keep the UEFA Euro-winner with the club for at least another campaign.
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