Chelsea could make use of Emerson Palmieri to sign Declan Rice
Speaking on talksport (h/t The Express), transfer expert Alex Crook believes Chelsea could attempt to tempt West Ham United to sell Declan Rice by sending Emerson Palmieri the other way.
The Blues have enjoyed an excellent window so far and have brought in six players for over £200million combined.
The tally could soon become seven once Rennes star Edouard Mendy completes his switch to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, however, are still not done and are keeping tabs on West Ham star Rice. The English international was let go by the Blues at the age of 14. He has since thrived across the City at the Hammers.
West Ham for their part are adamant that the 21-year-old will not be sold. According to the report, it will take a bid of around £80million for them to even consider it.
“Chelsea are still pushing in the background, but it would take a massive offer and I don’t see it happening.”
While Crook believes a switch to Chelsea this summer looks unlikely, he does believe the Blues have an opportunity to curry favour.
“David Moyes is potentially looking at Chelsea left-back Emerson, one of a number of players that could leave Stamford Bridge.”
Having signed Ben Chilwell, Emerson is now effectively the third choice left-back at the club. West Ham became the latest team to be linked with a move for the Italian defender.
The 26-year-old had earlier been linked with a return to Italy. Inter Milan and Napoli were amongst his suitors.
While the Nerazzurri now do not view him as a priority, the chances of Napoli signing him depends on them losing Faouzi Ghoulam.
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This could work out well for West Ham, paving the way for them to make a move.
The Hammers are keen to bring in players and with around three weeks left, time is running out. Whether they could be tempted to make a move for Emerson in exchange for Rice remains to be seen.