West Ham United in talks with Chelsea over permanent signing of Emerson Palmieri
West Ham are currently engaged in talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign left-back Emerson Palmieri, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth.
It emerged earlier on Monday afternoon (15 August) that the Blues player was a target for the Hammers, but they have now pressed ahead to try to get a deal done.
David Moyes has been after help at left-back to push Aaron Cresswell ever since the end of last season, and came close with a bid to sign Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back Filip Kostic before the move broke down.
Writing on Twitter Sheth said: “West Ham United in talks with Chelsea over the permanent signing of left-back Emerson. Clubs in discussion over a deal worth £13m.
“Emerson spent last season on loan at Lyon and has 2 years left on his contract.”
The Italian international is currently fourth-choice at Stamford Bridge, at least until Marcos Alonso leaves, and they are looking to trim their squad before the window closes.
Sensible
It is arguably surprising that it has taken until now for the Irons to go after Emerson since he has Premier League experience and isn’t too expensive.
Certainly since Chelsea spent hugely to sign Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, just two years after sending a big fee to Leicester for Ben Chilwell, meaning the former Roma defender was surely on the way out.
He may not set the world alight from the full-back spot, but he is a solid performer who has been playing in the top leagues around Europe for years.
As with so many at Chelsea he has arguably suffered from a lack of commitment to him from the club as there was a time not too long ago where he looked to have cemented himself as the starter in west London before an injury ruled him out.
If West Ham can complete a deal for a fee around the level that Sheth has reported it would be decent business for a player who could feasibly take the starting role.
Considering the hits Todd Boehly has taken on letting the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner leave he seems to be willing to negotiate down, so there may be scope for this move to become even more affordable.
If it gets done before the window shuts it would give a more complete look to the back line, along with the presumed arrival of Thilo Kehrer, and should be filed under solid if not spectacular.