Olympique Lyon in advance talks to sign Emerson Palmieri

Chelsea resumes their summer business in the ongoing transfer window. After signing Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan, they are looking to cut their numbers on the wage bill.

According to recent reports, Olympique Lyon are in talks with Chelsea to sign fringe player Emerson Palmieri on a permanent deal.

The Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted about the move:

"Talks ongoing since yesterday between OL and Chelsea for Emerson Palmieri. Chelsea already extended his contract until June 2023, OL hope to reach an agreement soon. #CFC Meanwhile, Napoli have reached an agreement to sign former Roma centre-back Juan Jesus as free agent.(Via: Fabrizio Romano)"

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Emerson Palmieri featured in 15 games across all competitions for the Stamford Bridge outfit last season, as well as scored a goal in their winning Champions League run. In UEFA Euro 2020, he had three starts for Italy and went on to win European glory against England at Wembley Stadium.

In the Premier League, Emerson had just two appearances for Chelsea and it spanned over 90 minutes of football. In search of more game time, the player desires to leave West London, with Lyon looking to make up the required cash for him.

According to transfermarkt.com, Chelsea values their left-back at €14 million and are willing to hold out for that figure and no less.

Other Chelsea news: Kurt Zouma might be on the move

With players like Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen cementing their spot in the backline alongside Thiago Silva or together as a center-back pairing, it has become difficult for players like Kurt Zouma to get game time at Stamford Bridge.

Also, the dream debut of Trevoh Chalobah has impressed Thomas Tuchel and it will make life even more challenging for Zouma. According to recent news, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur want Kurt Zouma.

"The 26-year-old is one of a number of defenders Tottenham are currently looking at – on Friday it was reported Spurs are in talks to sign Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic. The centre-back is West Ham’s primary target, with the Frenchman open to a move to the London Stadium, although difficulty lies in the valuation – with Chelsea thought to want in the region of £25m – and Zouma’s wages.(Via: Sky Sports)"

Kurt Zouma featured in 24 games for Chelsea under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel. He scored five goals for the Blues along with great defensive outputs almost every week.

Zouma had 0.58 tackles per 90, 1.16 interceptions per 90 and 1.02 blocks per 90 – but sadly, these numbers are not good enough to convince Tuchel he is capable of being one of the best defenders at the Bridge.

The phenomenal rise of other defenders has caused trouble for Zouma. Also, it was learned that he is no longer in Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

What are your thoughts on the proposed transfer of Kurt Zouma? Should he move away from Stamford Bridge? Have your say!