Transfer News: Emerson Palmieri will be happy to stay at Chelsea next season
According to Adam Newson (h/t Football.London), Chelsea loanee Emerson Palmieri, who has been plying his trade at Lyon this season, will be happy to come back to the bridge and stay on with the Blues if Thomas Tuchel needs him in the squad.
The Italian left-back was surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge at the start of the season with Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso already in the squad to cover the left wing-back position. Hence, a decision was made to loan out the defender so as to not stall his game time.
The 27-year-old left-back has played 37 times for Lyon this season scoring one goal and providing two assists across all competitions. Whilst such numbers are nothing to write home about, the fact that the former Roma man now has consistent game time under his belt will hold him in good stead.
With his loan move expiring in the summer, it seems extremely unlikely that the Ligue 1 giants will keep him and the player is said to be willing to stay at Chelsea next season if Thomas Tuchel needs him.
Replace Alonso?
It is absolutely no secret right now that Marcos Alonso is seeking an exit from the club and wants to leave and return to his home country. he has been good since his first season under Antonio Conte at the Bridge but his time at the Bridge seems to be coming to an end.
Whilst the Spaniard has his fair share of critics, there is absolutely no denying the fact that Alonso did a spectacular job as a utility player and will have to be replaced if he were to leave this summer. It was expected that the Blues would dip into the market for a backup left-back but Emerson could be the answer.
Ben Chilwell is Chelsea’s number one left-back and will undoubtedly continue to be so going into next season. Even if the Italian indeed decides to stay with the Blues, he will have a backup role at best and be given the occasional chance to impress.
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Emerson Palmieri is 27 and has to decide what is best for his career. Whether he chooses to stay on at Chelsea and be content with a backup role or moves elsewhere in such of regular game time remains to be seen, but the Blues now have a readymade option to replace Marcos Alonso.