Marseille keen on Premier League duo

Olympique de Marseille could make a double signing from the English Premier League soon, as they are in advanced talks with West Ham United to sign left-back Emerson Palmieri and are also keen on Bournemouth midfielder Hamed Junior Traoré.

Foot Mercato reported that Emerson, an Italian international, is among the options being monitored by the Ligue 1 club, with the other option being Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas.

The left back position becomes a priority for Roberto De Zerbi after Marseille parted ways with Quentin Merlin, who joined Ligue 1 rivals Rennes. 

With Marseille lacking long-term options for their left defensive flank, De Zerbi deployed Amir Murillo against Rennes, and Ulysses Garcia featured this weekend against Paris FC. 

Meanwhile, Marseille could end up signing the defender on a free transfer, according to Foot Mercato, because West Ham could also agree to a contract termination to free up their wage bill.

West Ham will also be on the lookout for a replacement after conceding eight goals in the first two games of the Premier League.

Palmieri has already entered the final months of his contract. With the discussion in an advanced stage, he could return to Ligue 1 after spending the 2021-2022 season on loan from Chelsea FC at Lyon.

In a related development, Foot Mercato said  Marseille president PablLongoria and Director of Football Medhi Benatia are interested in the Ivory Coast international, who was a revelation last season in Ligue 1.

The 25-year-old scored ten goals and recorded two assists in 26 games for Auxerre during his loan stint from Bournemouth.

Being a versatile attacker that can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger, Traoré could be a welcome addition to De Zerbi’s squad, considering they recently sold Jonathan Rowe to Bologna.

It would also be a reunion between the Italian manager and Traoré after their time together in Sassuolo.