Chelsea are in an interesting position with their left backs this summer. The Blues have Ben Chilwell as a clear first option – but he’s coming off the back of a season where he played just a handful of games thanks to a serious injury.
That reminded everyone of the need to have a solid backup in every position, and while Marcos Alonso has some great attributes, it was pretty clear by the end of the season that Thomas Tuchel’s patience with the Spaniard had run out.
They could sign a new player, but the other interesting option is to use Emerson Palmieri, who returns from his loan at Lyon this summer.
Football.London have some quotes from the former Roma star who seems to be perfectly happy to be number two at Chelsea going forward:
“For me personally, it’s been a good season, I played a lot of games. Let’s see what happens in the future. I have a contract with Chelsea. I’ve played there for three years and won some things. If I need to go back there I’m happy.
“Now I go back to Chelsea for pre-season and let’s see in the next months. It was nice to know they wanted me [in January]. I have a contract there. It’s my club for three seasons. I have a lot of friends there and if I come back there I am very happy.”
Asked if he had spoken to Thomas Tuchel yet, Emerson admitted he hadn’t, but you can only assume all these conversations are going to happen in the weeks to come, as the club assesses what they have, and what they need.
