Chelsea left-back set to sign new contract?

Emerson Palmieri is reportedly close to penning a new long-term deal with Chelsea following his impressive beginning to the season under manager Frank Lampard.

The Italy international was generally regarded as the back-up option to Marcos Alonso until last season but things have changed under Lampard, who has preferred him for the left-back role.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Blues are planning to renew the contract of the former Roma man despite the fact that he has nearly three years remaining on his current deal.

The same publication claims that the new contract will tie Emerson to the Blues until the summer of 2024 while the Italian stands the chance of doubling his £75,000-a-week wages.

Emerson recently returned from a thigh injury to face Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend. However, his comeback was shortlived as he suffered a recurrence of the same problem.

The left-sided defender is now expected to remain sidelined for around four weeks and that should offer Alonso with an extended run in the Premier League and Champions League games.