Chelsea are set to announce the signing of Roma full-back Emerson Palmieri, according to Gazzeto dello Sport.
The Blues will reportedly pay £18 million plus add-ons and are expected to unveil the Brazilian as soon as today.
Chelsea have held hopes to include Emerson in a double-swoop deal involving striker Erin Dzeko for around £44 million, but Dzeko’s wage demands have stalled further talks for now.
The signing comes after Chelsea failed to acquire their No.1 man Alex Sandro from Juventus in the summer.
Emerson has only featured twice for Roma this season – 15 minutes against SPAL 2013 and the full 90 minutes against Torino in the Copa Italia.
In the meantime, Antonio Conte left out David Luiz out of yesterday’s 3-0 victory over Newcastle amidst rumours that Real Madrid are interested in the player.
Luiz has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after falling out with Conte recently with Arsenal, Newcastle and Real Madrid being reported as potential destinations.
