Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri has reportedly agreed terms to join London rivals West Ham United in a £15 million move.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, West Ham United have finally got their man as Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri is set to move to the London Stadium.
The 28-year-old Chelsea defender will join a team that is starving for reinforcements in the left-back position. As things stand, Aaron Cresswell is the only specialist senior defender in the position, and has, in recent months, proven to be a liability. At 32, the English veteran is not getting any younger, and it is time that West Ham brought in a replacement.
Emerson is a player at the peak of his career and has enough experience playing in some of Europe’s top leagues. He fits the bill perfectly and should be a key acquisition for West Ham. The Italian international played an important role in his nation’s UEFA Euro 2020 success, and also enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Lyon last season.
Chelsea and West Ham have been in touch for a while and have now reached an agreement worth £13 million. The package could rise to up to £15 million if the bonus clauses are triggered. It represents a decent deal for all parties involved. The development has arisen after Chelsea and West Ham recently reopened talks over a move for Emerson.
Emerson Palmieri to West Ham, here we go! Full agreement reached on both clubs and player side – been told that deal valid until 2027. ?⚒️ #WHUFC
Fee agreed with Chelsea for £13m fixed plus £2m in add-ons. #CFC
Understand first part of medical tests will be completed today. pic.twitter.com/q0VJLNU54O
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2022
Emerson will undergo the first part of his medical later today and, if all goes well, will pen a deal with the Hammers until 2027. David Moyes, to his credit, has reinvented West Ham in recent months, and Emerson could prove to be an inspired acquisition from Chelsea come the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
The 28-year-old joined Chelsea from AS Roma in 2016 but has struggled to nail down a spot in the first XI. Thomas Tuchel does not appear to hold the defender in high regard and has used him sparingly. Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella are both ahead of Emerson in the pecking order, and there is little to be gained by the Italian if he stays put at Stamford Bridge.
Moving to West Ham makes sense given that Emerson will not need to change cities or move far. It also allows him to secure regular game time in a side that has made some interesting purchases this summer. For now, it would appear to be a matter of when and not if the Italian will swap the blue jersey of Chelsea for the claret of West Ham.