Chelsea will announce the signing of Roma defender Emerson Palmieri on Monday, according to reports in Italy.

The Blues have been chasing the full back’s signature throughout this transfer window, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Premier League champions will unveil their new man this week in a deal worth £18m, plus for £4m in add-ons.

Antonio Conte’s side showed no sign of defensive frailties in their FA Cup fourth-round victory over Newcastle on Sunday, nor did they lack a cutting edge in front of goal, but nonetheless incoming signings are imminent.

Chelsea will announce the signing of Roma defender Emerson Palmieri on Monday

As well as Palmieri, team-mate Edin Dzeko could also be on his way to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea set to pay £44million for the duo.

However, the Italian news outlet has claimed that Dzeko’s arrival will not be confirmed until later in the week – with the window due to shut on Wednesday – as Conte looks to bring in some healthy competition for out-of-sorts striker Alvaro Morata.

Palmieri will join the Blues for a deal worth in the region of £18m, plus £4m in add-ons

Chelsea are also hopeful of luring Palmieri's team-mate Edin Dzeko to Stamford Bridge

The Roma star has score 13 goals this season, including two against Chelsea in October

CHELSEA'S STRIKERS Michy Batshuayi Games: 25 Goals: 10 Alvaro Morata Games: 31 Goals: 12 Edin Dzeko Games: 28 Goals: 13 Advertisement

Morata has been somewhat misfiring of late, and wasn’t included in Conte’s squad that overcame the Magpies 3-0, with Michy Batshuayi reminding the Blues manager of his ability, netting a brace before Marcos Alonso confirmed the victory.

Dzeko, who had four seasons in the Premier League with Manchester City before joining Roma permanently in 2016, has 10 Serie A goals so far this season, as well as three in the Champions League – two of which secured a 3-3 at Stamford Bridge in October.

Reports have also suggested that the Blues are interested in Arsenal's Olivier Giroud and Burnley's Ashley Barnes.

Conte will hope the introduction of fresh competition will inspire a struggling Morata as Chelsea head into the final phases of the season with silverware still up for grabs.

Antonio Conte is looking to bring in reinforcements for his struggling strike force