West Ham ‘desperate to sell Emerson’ as latest transfer news drops from Italy
West Ham could use one of their last chances to sell Emerson this summer.
Emerson made 32 appearances for the Hammers this season and was a mainstay on the left-hand side of defence under Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter.
However, it now appears that Potter is seeking alternative options, as the Italian international enters the final year of his contract at the London Stadium.
West Ham tipped to drop Emerson asking price this summer
Emerson has been linked with a move to Lazio for some time, with West Ham having previously shared an asking price of £8.5million.
The full-back is familiar with Serie A, and indeed Rome, having played for Roma for three years.
Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport has reported in its print edition (23 June, pg 27) that the Hammers could drop their asking price.
Emerson only has one year left on his contract, and furthermore, West Ham could sell several first-team players this summer to help their PSR standing.
These details may lead Lazio to try and steal Emerson away at a bargain price.
If West Ham hold out for a bid anywhere near the £13m they paid Chelsea for him, negotiations could potentially last all summer.
PSR concerns leave Hammers in a sticky situation this summer
It’s not an ideal situation when any club is on the threshold of PSR.
It’s even worse when the news becomes public, as that’s when other clubs begin to see you as a bargain basement.
It’s a basic rule of sales. When the seller is desperate, you can lower your bid. And West Ham aren’t in a position to hold out for massive offers.
The Irons may be inviting offers for players like Emerson, Niclas Fullkrug and Konstantinos Mavropanos, as they look to get rid of some deadwood.
Some £59million was spent on these three players, and the Hammers will have a difficult job breaking even on any of them.
It’s a situation which outlines their recruitment decisions in recent years.
| Player | Signed from | Fee |
| Emerson | Chelsea | £13m |
| Fullkrug | Borussia Dortmund | £27m |
| Mavropanos | Stuttgart | £19m |
Hammers fans will hope that Potter can use his famous nous in the transfer market to find some bargains that will improve the squad.
It won’t be easy in these conditions, but at least Potter has proven he can work wonders on a small budget in his career before.
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