Juventus ahead of Inter in battle to sign Chelsea wide man

Juventus and Inter Milan are both showing interest in a player struggling for minutes at Chelsea.

The links between Juventus and Chelsea left wing back Emerson Palmieri are nothing new. This summer, the Bianconeri were rumored to be looking at upgrades on the left and right side of the defense, as they needed a fullback with more attacking thrust than either Alex Sandro or backup Danilo on the left and right.

Sergino Dest and Robin Gosens were among the dream options floated around, but Emerson seemed to be the most realistic target. In the end, though, the 26-year-old stayed put in London, where he’s barely featured for the Blues again this year.

Juventus have moved to a three-man defense under Andrea Pirlo, with Danilo actually filling an important role as a center back. Meanwhile, Juan Cuadrado, Dejan Kulusevski, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluca Frabotta have all played as left and right wing backs in this 3-5-2 system. Chiesa and Cuadrado have been strong in this role – no surprise on Cuadrado, the former Chelsea man himself as long been one of the best in this position – and Frabotta is a nice backup to have. 

But Juve are still being linked to Emerson. According to Calciomercato.com, both Juventus and bitter rivals Inter Milan have shown interest in Emerson Palmieri, and the Bianconeri are said to be favored over Inter. Further, Chelsea could make Emerson available for a move in January.

Juventus should be careful with any interest in Emerson

Of course, circumstances could change between now and then. Alex Sandro has been out with an injury, but he is not a bad player and could prove himself upon a return. He is better than Emerson in a back four due to his defensive qualities, but in a 3-5-2, Emerson would be the better wing back. That said, if Chiesa and Frabotta keep playing well, is there really a need to purchase the Italian international from the Blues?

So far this season, Emerson has made zero appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League and featured in a mere nine minutes in the Champions League as a substitute in a 4-0 win over Krasnodar, which was never in doubt for the Premier League side.

If Juventus truly value Emerson, who is an underrated attacking fullback, then it’s not a bad idea for them to make a signing. And he would be a threat if signed by Inter. However, if the Blues try to drive a hard bargain – as they tend to do – then the Bianconeri are better off not making a signing and instead trusting the current wing back talent they have in the squad.