Lazio are weighing up a move for West Ham left-back Emerson Palmieri, according to reports in the Italian media.
Maurizio Sarri has been re-appointed as the Serie A side’s head coach and he could be reunited with his former Chelsea player.
Writing for thelaziali.com, journalist Afredo Pedulla says that Emerson is part of a “three-man shortlist” that Lazio have put together to strengthen their options on the left-hand side of defence.
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The Italian team are also said to be targeting current Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell and Genoa’s Aaron Martin.
Emerson would be replacing a former Arsenal player
It is believed that Lazio are open to offloading Nuno Tavares despite the fact that they have only just signed the Portuguese on a permanent basis.
The fullback joined them on loan from Arsenal at the start of last season but it included a mandatory purchase clause.
Tavares suffered several injuries during his first 12 months at the Stadio Olimpico, and with interest from AC Milan and Saudi Arabia, Lazio are reportedly willing to let him leave, with either Emerson, Chilwell or Martin coming in to take his place in the squad.
West Ham are likely to be open to selling the defender
Following the appointment of Graham Potter as head coach at the start of the calendar year, Emerson has seen his game time reduced.
Youngster Ollie Scarles has been favoured more often than not so there would be no concerns about selling the Italian international if they receive a good enough offer from Lazio or another club.
The Hammers are currently in a situation where they need to sell before they buy, so any funds raised from Emerson’s sale would be welcomed.
In other news, it has been reported that West Ham have missed out on recruiting a soon-to-be free agent to a Chelsea-owned club in France