Chelsea are set to announce the signing of Roma defender Emerson Palmieri on Monday, reports in Italy claim. The full-back has been on the verge of a transfer to Stamford Bridge for several weeks, but it now seems the deal is finally over the line. Chelsea’s interest in Edin Dzeko complicated Emerson’s move, after the Blues attempted to secure a deal that included both players.
A £44million double deal for the pair did seem to be in place before Dzeko’s contract demands stalled the move. But, Gazzetta dello Sport now claim Chelsea have reached an agreement with Roma and that Emerson will be unveiled as their player as soon as Monday. The agreement was reached on Thursday after it became clear any deal for Dzeko would drag on into next week.
The transfer window shuts at 11pm on Wednesday and Chelsea are in a race against time to bring in a new striker. Roma have accepted a £18million bid with around £4m in add-ons and Emerson is ready to link up with his new club. Antonio Conte has been searching for a new full-back since the summer, and was subsequently furious Chelsea did not manage to land Alex Sandro.
Chelsea rely heavily on wing-backs and Conte has been eager to add more players to his squad that can fill that role. Emerson will become Chelsea’s second signing of January and the club will be aiming to wrap up a deal for a frontman before next week. Dzeko is not the only attacker to be linked with Chelsea this month, with Burnley’s Ashley Barnes and Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud mooted as potential targets.
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