Chelsea
are moving closer to a deal for Emerson Palmieri, Sky Sports News
understands, but who is the Roma full-back?
Sky in Italy are reporting that Palmieri's representatives are happy with
terms for the 23-year-old to move to Stamford Bridge, and are just waiting
for the clubs to give the nod as they negotiate a double deal which also
includes Roma striker Edin Dzeko.
A deal is progressing and the two clubs are close to reaching an agreement,
with Roma wanting a fee in excess of £45m for the pair, according to Sky
Sports News.
If a deal is completed, what can Chelsea fans expect from Palmieri?
We take a look here...
Profile
Name: Emerson Palmieri
Age: 23
Position: Left-back
Previous clubs: Santos, Palermo (loan), Roma
Nationality: Italian
Caps: Uncapped
Background
Emerson was born and raised in Santos in Brazil but thanks to Italian
ancestry on his mother's side, became and Italian citizen last March.
He made his debut for Santos at the age of 16 after coming through the youth
system and by 18 he had established himself as a regular in the first team,
thanks in part to his performances for Santos' U20 side as they won the 2013
Copa Sao Paulo de Futebol Junior.
He made his Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A debut in 2013 in a 1-0 defeat to
Flamengo and scored his first goal in the same year in a 2-1 defeat at
Atletico Paranaense.
Move to Italy...
Emerson's performances for Santos were noticed by Italian club Palermo, who
took him on loan for the 2014/15 season with an option to buy.
However, his chances to shine were few and far between and after making just
nine appearances the club passed on their option to make the deal permanent.
Palermo's loss was Roma's gain as they took the then-21-year-old on loan for
the 215/16 season. He spent his first season at the Stadio Olimpico as an
understudy to Lucas Digne, but showed enough promise to have his loan deal
extended for a further season.
He went on to enjoy a breakthrough season with Roma making his loan deal
permanent for €2m in December, but it ultimately ended in disappointment as
he picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the last day of the
season.
Former Manchester City star Aleksandar Kolarov has impressed in his absence
and since Emerson's return in November he has made just two appearances for
the club.
International recognition
Emerson represented Brazil at U17 level, playing in the 2011 South American
U17 football championship and the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup.
However, last year he officially switched his allegiance to Italy after
acquiring Italian citizenship and he was called up for an informal training
camp by coach Gian Piero Ventura early in 2017.
He received his first national team call-up a few months later for Italy's
friendly against San Marino but remains uncapped because of his untimely
injury.
What's his style?
Extremely versatile, Emerson can play either at left-back or on the left
wing and has even filled in at right-back during his time at Roma.
He loves to get forward. He's well known for taking on and beating his
opposite man, showing off his excellent speed, balance and dribbling skills
in the process.
Emerson Palmieri stats per 90 minutes in 2016/17
| Key passes |
1.4 |
| Dribbles |
2.9 |
| Tackles |
2.5 |
| Interceptions |
2.1 |
| Clearances |
2.2 |
| Dribbles Past |
0.4 |
| Fouled |
1.9 |
| Fouls Conceded |
0.6 |
Standing at 5ft 9in, he's not afraid to use his frame to his advantage and
he draws plenty of fouls from his side with his trickery.
At the other end of the field, he is also good in one-on-one situations with
his pace getting him out of tricky situations, while his defensive stats
from last season match up favourably with the best in Serie A.
What they said...
I watched him a couple of times at Palermo and I liked the way he moved.
With his agent also having offered him to us on very good terms, I decided
to sign him.
Former Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini
How will he fit in at Chelsea?
Currently, Marcos Alonso is Chelsea's only real option at left-back with
Cesar Azpilicueta preferred as one of Antonio Conte's three centre-backs.
Marcus Alonso stats per 90 minutes in 2016/17
| Key passes |
0.8 |
| Dribbles |
1.1 |
| Tackles |
2.6 |
| Interceptions |
1.5 |
| Clearances |
2.6 |
| Dribbles Past |
0.9 |
| Fouled |
0.7 |
| Fouls Conceded |
0.8 |
Last summer, they tried to sign Alex Sandro from Juventus but with the
Brazilian staying in Turin, Conte has had to turn his attentions elsewhere.
While Sandro's arrival would have cast a huge doubt over Alonso's position
in the starting line-up, Emerson, who has also attracted the interest of
Juventus, is nowhere near the finished article.
Alex Sandro stats per 90 minutes in 2016/17
| Key passes |
1.9 |
| Dribbles |
2.8 |
| Tackles |
3.0 |
| Interceptions |
2.2 |
| Clearances |
2.1 |
| Dribbles Past |
0.6 |
| Fouled |
2.1 |
| Fouls Conceded |
1.7 |
However, his performances for Roma last season showed he has all the
attributes to become a world class full-back and if he can fulfil that
potential then Chelsea could have a real bargain on their hands.
Can he rediscover that form, though, after recovering from an ACL injury?
Chelsea will be hoping he can, leaving all thoughts of Sandro well and truly
behind.
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