Chelsea are reportedly set to welcome back Emerson Palmieri next season, with Lyon reportedly having made the decision not to sign him on a permanent basis. The Italian defender has spent the season with the Ligue 1 outfit following his temporary switch.
It was confirmed in an official statement at the time that they had first refusal on any permanent move. It read: “The international defender and double European champion is joining OL on a loan deal until 30 June 2022 for a fee of €500,000, plus bonus payments of up to €500,000. The deal carries a match-up clause (priority option to buy) that runs until the end of the summer 2022 transfer window.”
It appears though that Les Gones will not pursue a permanent deal, if the latest reports are to be believed. According to Foot Mercato, they will not attempt to seal his signature.
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Lyon’s decision is certainly a surprise considering Emerson’s form for the club so far this term. He has made 29 appearances in all competitions and has impressed despite the club’s underwhelming domestic campaign - Peter Bosz’s troops having slumped to tenth in Ligue 1.
Any return could potentially be a huge boost to Chelsea though. The Blues very publicly attempted to bring the former AS Roma man back to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window following the long-term injury sustained by Ben Chilwell.
Depending on when the English international returns to action, Emerson could well be an excellent option to call-upon next term. Meanwhile, his return would also once again alleviate the need to turn to the transfer market.
There is currently huge uncertainty over the Blues’ ability to add to their squad ahead of the 2022/23 season as Roman Abramovich’s current sanctions prevent them from spending. It of course remains to be seen whether a takeover is completed before next season.
Should a deal continue to stall and Chelsea be unable to welcome new faces to Stamford Bridge, Emerson would be an extra body in Thomas Tuchel’s current squad and having played under the German before, he would require no added time to acclimatise himself to west London or indeed the Premier League.
So ahead of next season, the Blues could potentially be set to have two available full-backs - Chilwell and Emerson - worth just over £67m in transfer fees.
