Cesar Azpilicueta, the former Chelsea captain, will not be surprised to learn that a player bombed out of West Ham United’s plans remains as ‘professional’ as ever.
While Graham Potter continues to field Guido Rodriguez – a rather baffling decision given that West Ham hope to get rid of the Argentine before deadline day – another player bound for the exit is not quite so fortunate.
It is ten weeks now since Fabrizio Romano reported that Potter hoped to move Emerson Palmieri out the door. That the Brazil-born Italian international is still a West Ham United player, with only days remaining in the transfer window, is down to a lack of offers more than a dramatic U-turn on the manager’s part.
Hammers News can confirm that Real Betis opted against signing Emerson earlier in the summer. Fortunately, Marseille appear willing to tread where Betis did not.
And Azpilicueta, who played alongside Emerson at Stamford Bridge after spending two years in the L’OM pressure cooker, has no doubt about his old teammate’s ability to thrive in this most febrile of environments.
Cesar Azpilicueta during Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
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Cesar Azpilicueta backs West Ham United misfit Emerson Palmieri for Marseille switch
Life is never quiet at Marseille.
Since reports emerged last week claiming that Marseille had opened talks with Emerson Palmieri, Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe have been publicly transfer-listed after a stunning fall-out behind the scenes.
Emerson would be joining a club for whom drama and disaster is only ever around the corner, while joining forces with a coach in Roberto de Zerbi who would make Jose Mourinho look easy-going.
Yet, Azpilicueta feels that a full-back with Chelsea, Roma, Lyon and Santos on his CV has the personality and the experience needed to cope.
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“Emerson is a modern left-back, very technically adept. He likes to participate in attacking play, offering solutions down the wing, and he has good crossing qualities,” the Champions League-winning former Spain stalwart tells La Provence.
“He is also capable of adapting to different systems.
“He’s a very positive person, always smiling, who knows how to create a good atmosphere. He’s appreciated by everyone because he remains simple and professional. Even when he didn’t necessarily play every match at Chelsea, he always kept a good attitude and worked hard in training.”
Fans arrive at the London Stadium before West Ham United v Chelsea - Premier League
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Chelsea legend thinks Ligue 1 giants will benefit from Emerson’s experience
Emerson has needed to rely on that professionalism again in recent months. Potter unceremoniously dropped the 31-year-old for young Ollie Scarles in the spring, before removing him from the first-team picture entirely.
“I think he can bring his top-level experience, having played in the Premier League, Serie A, and also with Italy,” adds Azpilicueta, a free-agent after leaving Atletico Madrid recently.
“His attacking profile can help OM boost the left flank, and he also knows how to be disciplined defensively. He’s a reliable player who can make the team more balanced.
“Emerson is a calm person, so I think he will be able to manage the expectations of the Marseille supporters.”
Emerson was heavily linked with a return to Rome earlier in the window. Lazio’s financial difficulties saw a reunion with ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri ruled out, however, leaving Marseille with a fairly clear run.
Hammers News can confirm that West Ham would ideally like to recoup £5 million, having spent nearly three times that amount on bringing Emerson to the London Stadium in the summer of 2022.