Chelsea Defender Emerson Set To Stay Despite Strong Juventus Interest

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has confirmed that left-back Emerson Palmeiri will stay at the club beyond this winter transfer window despite the strong interest from Italian Serie A champions Juventus.

Sarri said this in his post-match press conference after guiding Chelsea to the Carabao Cup final at the expense of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Italian giants Juventus were linked with a £15m transfer for Brazilian defender Emerson while the negotiation for Gonzalo Higuain was ongoing.

Emerson Palmieri has played second fiddle to Marcos Alonso in the left-back position at Chelsea since signing for the Blues in January 2018.

• Deal close! Arsenal gunning for Brazilian youngster

The 24-year-old joined Chelsea from Italian capital club AS Roma during the last winter transfer window in a deal worth €20m plus €9m in add-ons.

He has played just 13 minutes in the Premier League this season with the majority of his playing time coming in the cup competitions (Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League).

Emerson made his 13th appearance in the colours of Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semifinal second leg clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea won 4-2 on penalties after both teams played out a 2-2 draw on aggregate over two legs.

The Blues won the second leg 2-1 thanks to goals from N’Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud either side of the halftime interval.