Chelsea are attempting to get left-back Emerson Palmieri tied down to a new deal, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira.
The Italian reporter claimed via his personal Twitter account on Friday afternoon that the Blues have offered Emerson, 25, a new contract worth £4.5million-a-year, which equates to around £87,000-a-week.
It is understood that talks are ongoing between Chelsea and the five-times Italy international, who has played every minute of every competitive match since Frank Lampard took charge at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Chelsea is working to renew #Emerson Palmeri until 2024. Blues have offered to him a wages of €5M plus bonuses a year. Talks ongoing. #transfers #CFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) September 6, 2019
Lampard key to new deal?
Chelsea signed Emerson from Roma in January 2018 but it would be fair to say that the left-back struggled to really cement his spot in the starting line-up during that season and his first full season at Stamford Bridge last term when Maurizio Sarri was in charge.
Emerson made just three Premier League starts in the 2017/18 campaign before he earned just seven more under Sarri as he was mainly used in the London club’s successful Europa League campaign, in which he assisted a goal against Arsenal in the final.
However since Lampard has taken the reigns at Stamford Bridge, Emerson no longer looks to be a fringe player and instead appears to be a key part of Chelsea’s plans in the Premier League.
He has started and ended all five of the club’s fixtures so far this season, even in big games against Manchester United and Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup final.
Lampard has clearly been key in this potential new deal for the Italy international.
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Emerson has improved leaps and bounds since last season.
According to stats by WhoScored, the ex-Roma left-back has averaged more tackles, interceptions and clearances per league appearance than he did under Sarri’s leadership last season.
He is also yet to be dribbled past by an opposing player, which is very impressive after four matches played.
It is not only Emerson’s defensive stats that have improved as the Italian has also averaged more key passes, shots at goal and successful dribbles in each of his Premier League outings so far.
Emerson definitely deserves this new contract based on the huge improvement he has shown in a Chelsea shirt since Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge.