Thomas Tuchel wants Chelsea to recall Emerson Palmieri to the club with a deal for Everton’s Lucas Digne now looking unlikely, according to reports.
The German coach is in need of a left-back during the January window after Ben Chilwell was ruled out for the rest of the campaign after requiring surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Italian joined Lyon on a season-long loan last summer and he’s played 15 matches for the Ligue 1 side this campaign, scoring once.
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The Blues have also been keen to sign out-of-favour Everton left-back Digne but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Tuchel is pushing for Emerson.
‘Chelsea are still trying to recall Emerson Palmieri as left back, Tuchel wants him,’ he tweeted.
‘OL turned down first approach but Chelsea are pushing again – prepared to offer compensation. ‘Lucas Digne deal now looking very unlikely. Nothing advanced. Everton ask for permanent move.’
Rafa Benitez confirmed on Friday that Digne wasn’t playing because he asked to leave the club but it seems the Toffees are now looking for a permanent sale.
Chelsea would save themselves some cash if they can persuade Everton to allow him leave on a loan deal until the summer or recall Emerson from Lyon.
‘I don’t want to lie,’ said Tuchel last week when discussing his plans. ‘We are looking into the situation because we have now a new situation with Ben Chilwell.
‘One of the possibilities is a player we know and we love as a person, Emerson. But we need to check the details. ‘We are discussing and reflecting and this will go on for the next days, maybe weeks.’
