Emerson has been a transfer target for Inter Milan since at least the beginning of last year, even before former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte took over from Luciano Spalletti. While they’ve so far been unsuccessful in this pursuit, Emerson’s lack of playing time under head coach Frank Lampard might be seen as a prime motivating factor, although Emerson himself came out in public last week to dismiss any of such notions, professional or even personal.
Nevertheless, interest from Inter might very well be alive thanks to Conte’s “admiration” for the Italy international. Conte supposedly wants to add two full backs to his squad before next season. And according to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Inter Milan have acknowledged that Emerson could cost them at least €25m.
They might also have a bit of help from Emerson’s contract situation. The report claims that talks over a renewal have not gotten anywhere. The 25-year-old will have two more years left on his current contract after this season.
With Emerson being less than useful for Chelsea under Lampard, his departure during the next transfer window, no matter what he says to rebuke “fake news” from sketchy sources, is a real possibility. Then the question becomes who can land his signature, and how much are they willing they pay for a player with sporadic appearances in 2019-20, and with two years left on his contract.