Marseille plot bid for West Ham star Emerson Palmieri as alternative option to Liverpool full-back

Marseille have stepped up their search for a new left-back after Quentin Merlin’s exit left Ulisses Garcia as the only natural option in the squad. Les Olympiens have been looking at Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas, but attention has now shifted to Emerson of West Ham, according to Footmercato. Early discussions have already taken place over the Italian international, who previously played in Ligue 1 during a loan spell with Lyon in 2021.

The move comes in the middle of a turbulent transfer window for Marseille, with a heated clash between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe forcing both players out of the first team and onto the transfer list. At the same time, OM are under pressure to reinforce key areas if they want to compete strongly in Ligue 1 and make an impact in the Champions League. De Zerbi views the left-back role as crucial, and both Palmieri and Tsimikas are seen as strong candidates.

Palmieri has been with West Ham since 2022 and played a key role in their Conference League triumph, while also bringing valuable Ligue 1 experience from his time at Lyon. Marseille are weighing up Palmieri and Tsimikas as their priority targets, with the Reds open to selling the Greek defender after signing Milos Kerkez, while the Hammers could also be convinced to let Palmieri leave. 

De Zerbi is pushing for a reliable, experienced full-back to fit seamlessly into his system, and OM chiefs Medhi Benatia and Pablo Longoria are stepping up negotiations as the transfer deadline looms. With less than two weeks left to finalise a move, Palmieri’s versatility and strong European pedigree could ultimately give him the edge.

Marseille must quickly decide whether to push ahead with Palmieri or make a move for Tsimikas before another club steps in. With just over a week remaining in the transfer window, Marseille’s board are expected to accelerate negotiations to secure a new left-back in time for De Zerbi’s plans.