Report: Chelsea loanee now set to return to the Bridge, as his current club can’t afford his wage demands

Add as preferred source on Google

Lyon will reportedly be sending Emerson back to Chelsea once his loan deal expires.

According to Foot Mercato, the French side are not planning on renewing the defender’s contract at the end of the season.

What’s been happening with Emerson?

Emerson joined the Ligue 1 club last summer on loan, having fallen quite far down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Whilst he has been a regular under Petr Bosz throughout the term, the 27-year-old’s stats leave little to be desired.

The Italian international’s one goal and two assists hardly sets off alarm bells of excitement around the sport.

In fairness, Emerson was never known as a goal threat during his time at Chelsea.

Since joining the European champions in 2018, he has scored just twice and assisted another five times.

However, this shouldn’t deter from how highly the left-back is viewed by Thomas Tuchel.

During their time together, Tuchel praised the player’s character on numerous occasions, thanking him for being such a loyal servant.

Chelsea change their mind

His faith in Emerson was enlarged during the January transfer window, as the Blues were suddenly hit with a squad crisis.

Injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James meant Chelsea’s wing-back situation was pretty dire.

Relying on Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta certainly wasn’t a sustainable solution, therefore the chain of command scoured the market for more manpower.

Whilst flirting with the idea of Sergino Dest, they returned to a familiar face in the form of Emerson.

Apparently, Chelsea had three approaches to recall the full-back rejected by Lyon.

“Of course, we know Em, we appreciate him a as player and a person,” admitted Tuchel on the attempts to find cover for Chilwell and James.

In the end, no new senior faces entered the camp and Emerson remained in France.

Yet, it appears Tuchel will be reunited with his cherished pupil pretty soon.

Foot Mercato claim Lyon are going to end their relationship with Emerson, partly because of his high wages.

Don’t worry, Em, Cobham will always welcome you home.

Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts