Chelsea have splashed the cash this summer, outspending every European super club to add six first-team regulars to their ranks. They need to balance their squad and have to get rid of the likes of Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmeri, and Inter could be a good destination in this regard.
The wage bill was reduced with the free transfers of Pedro Rodriguez and Willian. Meanwhile, Michy Batshuayi is the first squad member out of the door on a season-long loan to Crystal Palace. Fikayo Tomori is also edging closer to a year away from the Stamford Bridge.
Despite these outgoings, however, Frank Lampard still has a bloated squad – especially at left-back. Ben Chilwell arrived amidst much fanfare, putting question marks about the future of Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso. The duo were rarely relied upon last season and Lampard preferred to play Cesar Azpilicueta on the left flank due to their defensive shortcomings.
But, there is some interest from Italy in the pair. Juventus were linked with Emerson when Sarri was still in charge, but that trail has gone cold. The rumor mill now suggests a reunion with Antonio Conte, which also Alonso could take part in. Both players flourished under the Italian tactician in West London and have varying success since his departure.
They can find a loving home in Milan. Moreover, they fit the profile the Nerazzurri are looking for as they are fast and dynamic players, who add value in attack while also being useful at the back. Moreover, the duo already has Serie A experience on their resumes. On paper, they should flourish if a move comes to fruition.
So, a move would help all parties involved in their respective adventures. Chelsea need a backup for Chilwell, and either one of the two – preferably Alonso – will do. Inter, on the other hand, want depth in the position. The club added 34-year-old Alexander Kolarov from Roma. Dalbert and Ivan Perisic could compete with him, but there are no guarantees that they will stay in Lombardy for long.
Perisic was shipped away to Bayern Munich last season and a similar fate awaits him this year. Meanwhile, Dalbert has failed to earn the trust of successive managers, and his €21 million move from Nice is proving to be sunk cost.
The arrival of either Emerson or Alonso would allow Inter to get rid of Dalbert and Perisic with relative peace of mind. They both are players whom Conte has a history with and will arrive on his recommendation.
Given the manager’s media tantrums, Inter need to keep Conte happy. The Lecce native is a demanding man and is building up a team to challenge Juventus’ might in Italian top-flight football. Mediocrity will not be tolerated.
He is very particular about the type of players that he wants. This approach was evidenced in Inter’s market approach this season. Achraf Hakimi exemplifies this, and so does Kolarov. Inter have managed expectations in the transfer window so far, and fans can only hope they will add the signing of either Alonso or Emerson to keep the impending Storm Conte at bay for some more time.