Chelsea are reportedly trying to recall Italy left-back Emerson Palmieri from his loan spell at Ligue 1 side Lyon, but are facing difficulties as the French club want to keep hold of the player until the end of the season.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are willing to pay compensation to Lyon in order to cut short the loan agreement, having seen their first attempt to recall Emerson denied by Peter Bosz’s side.
Chelsea Want to Recall Left-Back Emerson From Lyon Loan
Blues Are Short on Defensive Cover Following Ben Chilwell Injury
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants to bring Emerson back to Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the season because he knows his side are short of options in the left-back position following the serious injury sustained by Ben Chilwell last November.
Chilwell suffered knee ligament damage during a 4-0 victory over Juventus in a Champions League group-stage clash, and is expected to miss out on the rest of the season in order to make a full recovery.
As such, Spain international Marcos Alonso has emerged as Chelsea’s first-choice left-back in Chilwell’s absence, making his 15th Premier League appearance of the season in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Liverpool on 2 January.
Emerson has been a key player for Lyon since joining the club in August, and has made 19 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
Emerson Interest Shows Lucas Digne Transfer is Looking Unlikely
Given Chilwell’s prolonged absence, Chelsea were unsurprisingly linked with a move for Everton left-back Lucas Digne after it became clear that the Frenchman is looking to leave Goodison Park this month.
However, the Blues’ attempts to recall Emerson suggest that Thomas Tuchel will not look to bring Digne to the club. Everton boss Rafael Benitez is not interested in keeping unhappy players in his squad, and the Toffees are only interested in sanctioning a permanent transfer for the 28-year-old.
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