Chelsea reject Hammers bid for Emerson Palmieri
According to the Mirror, Chelsea have rejected a loan offer from West Ham United for Emerson Palmieri.
The Hammers are keen to bring in a left-back this month. Although they have Aaron Creswell, losing Arthur Masuaku due to injury has necessitated a dip into the market.
The Italian ace has struggled for game time at Chelsea and has been linked with a move away. As a stop-gap measure, there are few better left-backs available this window.
Despite being the club’s second-choice left-back, Frank Lampard is keen to keep Emerson at the club. While Ben Chilwell is the club’s first-choice, he cannot be expected to play every single game for the remainder of the season.
The decision to keep Emerson is further strengthened given Marcos Alonso’s fall from grace. The Spaniard and Frank Lampard had a falling out earlier in the season and the former has not featured for Chelsea since.
With the Champions League also set to return in February, Lampard will need strength in depth to negotiate a busy schedule.
Emerson has 18 months left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge. Signed from AS Roma in 2018, the Italian star has failed to make an impact in the Blues’ squad.
He has so far made 64 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions. During this time, he has scored one goal and assisted five. (h/t Transfermarkt)
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With games set to come thick and fast, how Lampard will rotate his squad will be key. Chilwell has shown that he is susceptible to injuries, meaning the Blues need a senior left-back ready to step in when needed.
Emerson can fulfill that role well. Keeping him could prove to be an inspired decision come to the end of the season.
