Defending Premier League champions Chelsea have announced the arrival of Brazilian fullback Emerson Palmieri from Serie A outfit Roma.

Emerson, who is still working his way back to full fitness after a serious knee injury, is believed to have cost an initial £17.5-million and has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 23-year-old will provide competition for incumbent left-back Marcus Alonso following a move that was facilitated by Kenedy’s loan exit to Newcastle United.

Negotiations over a potential double-signing involving Roma striker Edin Dzeko stalled, and Chelsea had to settle for a deal that does not include the former Manchester City target man.

Emerson, who began his career at Santos in Brazil, arrived in Serie A on loan at Palermo in August 2014. He joined Roma the following season but was only signed permanently in December 2016.

.@EmersonPalmieri is a Blue!

Full story 👉 https://t.co/a8VTRAXsQj#WelcomeEmerson pic.twitter.com/AcVjRg5DOC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 30, 2018

‘I came here because it’s a great team with a great history,’ the defender told the club’s official website. ‘Today I am realising one of my dreams to pull on the shirt of such a great club.

‘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.’

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘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.’

-This story originally appeared on FourFourTwo.co.za