Sky Sports News claim West Ham United have resumed talks for Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri in a surprise twist, after previous negotiations broke down over wages for the Italy international. Now, a deal is “close”.
Emerson, 28, has returned to Chelsea this summer after a decent loan spell with French club Lyon. But he finds his chances of game time completely blocked, after the Blues spent £60million to sign Marc Cucurella.
With Ben Chilwell also on the books, it is likely to see Emerson strike an exit before the end of the window. Marcos Alonso is also likely to leave Stamford Bridge – with the Spain international said to be close to joining Barcelona.
Reports this week said that a £13million deal to land the ex-Roma star was off. The two parties could now agree personal terms, with Emerson earning £48,000 a week at Chelsea. But now, Sky say a deal is back on, and “close”.
“Talks have resumed between West Ham United and Chelsea over the signing of left-back Emerson. There’s still some work to do on the deal. The fee is close to being finalised. Discussions are ongoing with his representatives.
“All parties are hopeful that a compromise can be reached to get a deal over the line. West Ham are looking at alternatives but they are working hard to sign Emerson,” Sky Sports reporter Kyle Walker said on Friday morning.
West Ham have resumed Emerson talks, a deal is now ‘close’
It is a much-needed signing for all parties involved. Firstly, Emerson desperately needs a move in the next couple of weeks to save his career from stagnating. He is not going to get any game time at Chelsea and needs to be sold.
He has already gone on loan, so a permanent move is the next step. For Chelsea, they will be keen to offload some of their dead wood after spending big on the likes of Cucurella, Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.
For West Ham, they missed out on Europa League winner Filip Kostic – who has gone to Juventus. With Arthur Masuaku moving to Besiktas, a left-back is a priority and Emerson is a very good signing.
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