Chelsea are set to demand €15 million for wantaway defender Emerson Palmieri, with Lazio reportedly keen on the left-back.
According to Corriere della Sera, as relayed by Sport Witness, Lazio will have to pay €15 million to sign Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea, with the Italian defender ready to quit Stamford Bridge. The Serie A club are expected to enter discussions over multiple dealings with the Blues and could negotiate a move for the full-back.
Emerson Palmieri’s time at Chelsea is likely to come to an end, and a return to Italy is heavily mooted for the full-back. Having spent the last season on loan with Lyon, the Italian international could make a return to his homeland if things go according to plans.
Despite growing speculation around Marcos Alonso’s future, Thomas Tuchel is happy to see him leave the club. For now, Ben Chilwell remains their first-choice left-back, and the England international has returned from a serious knee injury recently.
Emerson could have returned to Chelsea in January after an injury crisis enveloped the club, but Lyon refused to sanction an early release for the Italian. Now that he is back at Stamford Bridge, the left-back is likely to move on permanently, with Lazio showing an eagerness to sign him.
The Italian capital club are currently managed by former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who has worked with Emerson. Lazio are in the market for additions in several positions while anticipating a few sales of their own, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic looking likely to be their star departure.
The midfielder is linked with Chelsea, among other clubs, and Lazio are reportedly planning on holding discussions over several deals with the Blues in the coming days, including ones for Milinkovic-Savic, Emerson and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who could replace the Serbian in the Lazio midfield.
As for Emerson’s case, Chelsea want €15 million for the left-back, who has two years left on his deal. The demand may not seem excessive, but they might search for a middle ground during negotiations considering Lazio are operating on a tight budget.
Lazio may also need to pay Emerson a salary of €4 million, which could be achievable for the Italian giants. Sarri is hopeful of the transfer as he wants to reunite with one of his former players. Emerson will be a solid addition to the Rome club, as they look to push for the title next season.