Premier League champions Chelsea are on the verge of announcing the signing of Italian-Brazilian defender Emerson Palmieri.

Leaked photos on social media show the left-back holding a Chelsea shirt together with director Marina Granovskaia, with the number 33 on the back, the same number he wore at Roma.

Emerson flew to the English capital on Tuesday afternoon for a medical examination and signing of a contract with The Blues.

Including performance related bonuses, Roma will pocket £22.7 million from the deal.

Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko would have accompanied Emerson to London but Chelsea pulled out of the deal, after the striker failed to agree personal terms with the club.

The 23-year-old Emerson played 47 matches for Roma in all competitions, scoring 2 goals.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : Twitter.com