Report: Tuchel was happy to keep £24m Chelsea player, but now he’s looking more and more likely to leave

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Emerson Palmieri is reportedly looking more and more likely to leave Chelsea as Atalanta have joined the race to sign him.

According to the Evening Standard, Italian top-flight club Atalanta have expressed their interest in signing the 28-year-old Blues player.

It is understood Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was open to keeping the full-back, but the arrival of Marc Cucurella to compete with Ben Chilwell as a left-sided defender has changed the dynamic in the squad.

The report explains £24million star Emerson now looks ready to depart Chelsea in this summer window.

Nottingham Forest were linked as interested buyers earlier this week for the left-back, so it’ll be interesting to see his next move.

Emerson likely to leave Chelsea

It’s no coincidence speculation around Emerson has intensified since Cucurella’s arrival in West London from Brighton.

Emerson, who can slot into Chelsea’s XI as a left wing-back or centre-back cover, does look far down Tuchel’s pecking order in defence.

The Italy international has been involved in pre-season after a decent season-long loan spell at Lyon last year.

It’s hard to picture him getting minutes given the competition in his area of the pitch, though.

Chelsea are still rumoured to be hunting the signings of more recruits this summer, but it’s important they let a few out the exit doors as well.

Emerson’s a quality operator that would be a top addition for either Atalanta or Forest, whether that be on loan or a permanent deal.

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