Agent confirms talks between Chelsea and AS Roma for much-needed backup

Just like Chelsea and Atlético Madrid used to be constantly linked via transfers and transfer rumors a few years back, nowadays, that mantle is carried by Chelsea and AS Roma. Mohamed Salah and Antonio Rüdiger are the foundation, but rumors have regularly linked the likes of Nainggolan, Manolas, and Florenzi, while even De Rossi and El Shaarawy have taken a turn or two, especially since Antonio Conte arrived onto the SW6 scene.

The current transfer window is mostly concerned with left back Emerson and striker Edin Dzeko, with the former’s agent confirming that Chelsea and Roma “are talking”. Just talking. Nothing more. Yet?

“There’s nothing certain yet, we are in a phase of discussion and evaluation. Chelsea are a concrete possibility, absolutely. Now the two clubs are talking, we’ll see if they reach a positive conclusion.

“I have no planned trips to Italy, at least for the moment, as we are waiting for developments. Obviously, Emerson would love to play in the Premier League and it’d be a dream to work with Conte, as he is among the best Coaches in the world.”

-Fernando Garcia of Elenko Sports told Calciomercato via Football Italia

There may be nothing beyond initial talks just yet, but that certainly sounds promising for the 23-year-old to potential head our way. As our friends at Chiesa di Totti point out, Roma are certainly not beyond sellling “anything not bolted to the floor” especially with their supposed FFP issues hanging over them constantly.

Chelsea are in great need of a backup left back (even more so than a backup striker, I’d argue) to allow Kenedy to leave on loan and give Marcos Alonso a proper backup and challenger.

Emerson’s rumored price tag is around €30m, which is a fairly standard fee these days for a “good” player. Chelsea are also rumored to be interested in Edin Dzeko, so perhaps a double-deal, as unlikely as that would be, may be on the cards...