Chelsea Seeking $34 Million For Surplus Left-Back, Raising Funds For Chilwell
KEY POINTS
- Chelsea starts cleaning house, offering Emerson Palmieri to clubs
- Blues want $34 million for Emerson
- Lampard expected to offer more players to fund targets like Ben Chilwell
Chelsea F.C. has to make its move with Ben Chilwell believed to be coming to Stamford Bridge soon. Though the Blues have been spending lavishly, the fact remains that some players need to be dealt away. And one player likely to go is Emerson Palmieri who has gained interest from several clubs like Inter Milan.
For Inter to get their hands on Emerson, they need to raise the set fee for the Brazilian left-back. The asking price of the Blues for the 26-year-old is $34 million, Goal reported.
Emerson's exit is expected after the left-back failed to convince Frank Lampard of his long-term worth. He has become dispensable with the imminent arrival of Chilwell who is believed to be arriving this week. Chelsea needs to meet the asking fee of Leicester City for the 23-year-old left-back pegged at around $65 million, The Guardian reported.
Emerson was originally signed in January 2018 from Roma for $23 million. That amount did not include add-ons worth roughly $10 million which somehow explains the asking price of $34 million by the Blues. Unfortunately, Inter may not be able to go that high.
Inter has shown interest but may only be able to spend about $28 million. Taking away the add-ons of Emerson's original deal, that could work. Both camps are likely to hold talks moving forward. A stumbling block could ensue if other teams enter the fray.
In the past, other clubs expressed interest in Emerson. That includes Juventus and Napoli who could offer the left-back a new home.
Looking beyond Emerson, there are other players likely to be dangled by Lampard. Another name that could be permanently dealt out is Tiemoue Bakayoko. The 26-year-old is currently on loan to AC Milan although technical director Paolo Maldini appears to be interested in permanently taking in the French midfielder. The Red and Blacks have the option to buy Bakayoko for $39 million.
Finally, there is also the unsettled case of Kepa Arrizabalaga. Lampard has been far from content with his goalkeepers and the Spanish shot-stopper is believed to be on the block. Unfortunately, no club is willing to take on his hefty salary. Kepa was acquired from Athletic Club for $95 million in 2018.
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