Emerson Palmieri was left out of the Chelsea squad for their 3-0 defeat at Leeds United after West Ham agreed a £13 million deal to sign the Premier League misfit, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
The arrival of a seldom-seen left-back who has hardly taken the top-flight by storm down the road at Stamford Bridge is unlikely to offset the frustration West Ham fans felt as their team suffered a third straight defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday; Their worst start to a season since the early 1970s continuing with no end in sight.
But Emerson does, at least, fix one of the major issues facing David Moyes.
With Aaron Cresswell’s form taking a dip, and Arthur Masuaku gone, added competition on the left-hand side was a must. And while Emerson proved to be more underwhelming than anything else in Chelsea colours, Moyes’ ability to put lost footballers back on the right path bodes well for the Italy international’s hopes of a rebirth in claret-and-blue.
West Ham are about to sign Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea
According to Romano, West Ham have agreed a £13 million fee with Chelsea. And while there did seem to a problem regarding the former Roma man’s wages, it seems this was merely a pothole in the road leading to the London Stadium.
A journey the 28-year-old will make in the coming days.
Emerson, a £25 million signing back in 2018, was left out of Chelsea’s squad on Sunday too; Thomas Tuchel’s beleaguered side torn limb from limb by a bloodthirsty Leeds United. The Brazil-born leftie is now behind Marc Cucurella and the returning Ben Chilwell in the Chelsea pecking order.
“You know what you’re going to get. I wouldn’t talk about players at other clubs until they become my player,” Moyes says.
The West Ham boss then lowers his guard, admitting that a new left-back is a top priority with just over a week remaining in the window.
Aaron Cresswell competition
“We’d like somebody in that left-back area to help Cressy (Aaron Cresswell) and give us some more cover there.”
According to The Sun, Emerson has agreed to lower his wage demands. Thus, paving the way for West Ham to complete a deal for a man who was also a target for Nottingham Forest.
West Ham have reportedly shown an interest in Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo too. Thilo Kehrer, a new arrival from PSG, can also play on the left if needed.
“I can play both positions,” Kehrer tells Kicker, insisting that he is comfortable at centre-half and full-back. “And I am also flexible in terms of the formation.
“I can operate on the right in a back four as well as on the right in a 3-4-3. But in the medium term, I think my strengths are best suited to playing in the central defence.”
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