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Chelsea: Emerson Palmieri reportedly targeted as Alex Sandro frustration grows

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 20: Emerson Palmieri (C) of AS Roma competes for the ball with Simone Edera and Ebenezer Acquah of Torino FC during the TIM Cup match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Olimpico Stadium on December 20, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 20: Emerson Palmieri (C) of AS Roma competes for the ball with Simone Edera and Ebenezer Acquah of Torino FC during the TIM Cup match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Olimpico Stadium on December 20, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) /
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With Chelsea looking less and less likely to sign Alex Sandro, they are reportedly targeting AS Roma’s Emerson Palmieri as a January plan B.

After signing Ross Barkley at bargain price and locking down the future of Andreas Christensen, Chelsea are looking to do a bit more business this January. The Blues failed to sign a reinforcement at wingback in the summer and Alex Sandro is their number one target as the board tries to make amends. However, the latest reports claim that attention has now turned to Emerson Palmieri as the Sandro deal looks increasingly unlikely.

According to the Evening Standard, the Blues are putting together a plan B as they become frustrated with the Sandro situation.

"Chelsea have made an inquiry to Roma for Emerson Palmieri as they continue to be frustrated in their bid to sign Juventus left wing back Alex Sandro. Coach Antonio Conte desperately wants to add another full back to provide competition for Marcos Alonso."

Alonso has done some fantastic work over the last year and a half. However, the Spaniard needs competition in order to maintain his standards. His form dipped early in the season, before transfer speculation seemed to spur him on as we reached the turn of the year.

In addition to competition, a new left wingback is simply needed for squad depth. Should Alonso get injured, Antonio Conte does not have a proper contingency plan. Cesar Azpilicueta would probably be asked to play out there, but that takes him away from the centre-back role he’s been excelling in.

Hence, it’s understandable that the board are not putting all their eggs in one basket. Juventus are thought to be playing hard-ball with the transfer fee and the two clubs do not appear to be making progress on that front. Chelsea need to bring someone in before the end of January, or they risk any chance they have at winning silverware.

Emerson is currently second-choice to Aleksandar Kolarov, having just returned from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The defender showed a lot of potential before his injury and, with the right nurturing, could still develop into a fine player.

Next: Five reasons signing Andy Carroll is a huge step backward

What do you think? Would Emerson be a good signing for the Blues? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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