Chelsea pounces for Emerson Palmieri

One of the Premier League transfer window's most speculated moves has come to fruition, with Chelsea announcing the signing of Brazilian-born full-back Emerson Palmieri from Roma.

The Blues revealed the news with a statement on its website on Tuesday, adding that the 23-year-old has joined the west London lot on a four-and-a-half-year deal. Reports suggest Chelsea had an offer of a £17.5-million fee with an additional £5.2 million in performance-related bonuses accepted for the player.

"English football is something I have been watching since I was 15 years old. It is a really beautiful game over here but it is going to be even more beautiful to play it," Emerson admitted.

A left-footed left-back who can also play on the wing, Emerson played a scant 15 minutes of league football this season for I Giallorossi after suffering a cruciate ligament rupture in May.

"We are delighted to welcome Emerson to the club. He is a young and talented player who strengthens the squad and will provide excellent competition for places as we pursue success in three different competitions," club director Marina Granovskaia said Tuesday.

Under Antonio Conte, Emerson is likely to compete for minutes with wing-back Marcos Alonso as part of the Italian gaffer's preferred 3-5-2 formation.