Why Chelsea must keep hold of Emerson amidst Juventus interest
According to Italian outlet La Stampa (h/t The Sun), Juventus’ director of football Fabio Paratici is in London to thrash out a double swoop for Chelsea’s Willian and Emerson Palmieri.
Willian, 31, is out of contract at the end of the season but the winger has expressed a desire to remain at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is eager to hand the Brazilian a new deal after his brilliant displays of late. (h/t The Sun)
However, the report adds Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri is also looking to raid his former side for left-back Emerson Palmieri. That being said, Frank Lampard must do everything possible to keep hold of Emerson in January.
Chelsea have been impressive so far this season, particularly considering that they lost former talisman Eden Hazard and were unable to sign players due to their transfer ban during the summer.
Lampard has shown faith in his young players and they’ve repaid that so far to ensure that the Blues are in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League and are pushing to qualify from their Champions League group.
In Lampard’s revolution at Stamford Bridge, the £17.6m Emerson has been the first-choice left-back. The 25-year-old has already managed 7 Premier League appearances this season but picked up a hamstring injury in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on September 22. In his absence, Marcos Alonso did fill in.
Now back to full fitness, Emerson returned to action against Watford earlier this month. The Brazilian has arguably been Chelsea’s best defender this season and it didn’t take him much time for him to displace Alonso at left-back after becoming fully fit.
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The 25-year-old has been an excellent fit in Lampard’s quick, fluid and attacking style of football, offering more attacking output and better defensive nous than Alonso.
Emerson is dynamic and while he is predominantly a left-back, he can also play as a left wing-back and as a left-midfielder. Now that he has started the last two league games, Lampard will expect the Santos-born star to bring consistency to his game.
Verdict
Letting Emerson leave for Juventus in the midst of a transfer ban would be an absolutely horrendous decision from Lampard. Emerson has performed well and Chelsea must retain his services this season if they are to achieve their objectives.