Report: Italian giants lead the race for out of favour Chelsea star

Napoli leading race for Chelsea star Emerson Palmieri

According to Sky Sports Italia (h/t Independent), Napoli are leading the race for Chelsea star Emerson Palmieri.

Emerson started the 2019/20 campaign as the club’s first-choice left-back ahead of Marcos Alonso. He eventually ended up losing the spot to the Spaniard.

With the Blues going big on Ben Chilwell, he is now effectively the third choice left-back at the club.

In his two-and-a-half year spell at Chelsea, Emerson has made 55 appearances across all competitions, and has scored one goal while assisting five more. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Interest in the defender is high with a number of Serie A sides keen. Among those interested is Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan. (h/t Independent)

The Italian was in charge at the Bridge when Emerson joined the club in 2018. The duo looked set to reunite at San Siro but now it would appear Napoli have jumped to the head of the queue. (h/t Independent)

Despite their interest, it would seem that Napoli’s move for Emerson is dependent on the departure of Faouzi Ghoulam. (h/t Independent)

The Algerian has garnered interest from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. A move for Ghoulam could set off a domino effect that would see the Chelsea star move to the San Paolo. (h/t Independent)

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea backed to sign more players this summer
• Chelsea will need to improve their bid for Edouard Mendy
• Kepa Arrizabalaga reacts to Chelsea’s interest in Edouard Mendy

Emerson is keen to leave the club in search of regular game time. Doing so will boost his chances of making the Italian squad for the European Championships to be held next summer. (h/t The Guardian)

Chelsea have slapped a £26m valuation on the defender. With the club’s overall expenditure this summer set to exceed £200m, selling Emerson will help us recoup part of it.