Chelsea loanee Emerson Palmeiri has given Thomas Tuchel a transfer decision to make as he claims he would like to stay with Lyon following the conclusion of his loan spell at the club. The Italy international is contracted with the Blues until 2024.
The left-back moved to Stamford Bridge from AS Roma in 2018 for roughly £18million. He had fallen out of favour as Ben Chilwell joined the club in 2020 for £45million, resulting in his loan to the Ligue 1 side.
He has impressed there, racking up 25 league appearances for the club. That’s also despite the fact that the Blues were reportedly willing to pay to cut short his loan deal following a season long injury to Chilwell.
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Discussing the chances of recalling him back in January, the German coach said: “One of the possibilities is a player we know and we love as a person, Emerson. But we need to check the details. We are discussing and reflecting and this will go on for the next days, maybe weeks.”
Those attempts were rebuffed as Chelsea instead recalled Kenedy as a surprise option as Marcos Alonso and Saul Niguez swapped duties on the left of the defence. However, with the former’s contract expiring in one year and the latter’s loan deal ending this summer, there may be a desire to strengthen the position.
Especially following Emerson’s transfer claim. Speaking to Footmercato, he said: “Of course, yes, I have no problem saying that I can stay at OL [Olympique Lyon]. It’s a pleasure to be here. There are different factors. It doesn’t just depend on me. There are still six games to play, and then I will have an answer to give you all.”
It seems as though his heart is set on staying with the French club and with a lack of other options, it could force Tuchel to dip into the transfer market to find potential back-up options or players that are willing to compete with Chilwell.
