Emerson in action for Italy at UEFA Euros 2020. (imago Images)
Speaking in an interview, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano (h/t football.london), Napoli manager, Luciano Spalletti, hinted that he may have already contacted Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri over a possible transfer.
Emerson is linked with a move to the Serie A giants who look to strengthen in the left-back department. The Italian defender has struggled for starts at Stamford Bridge since joining in 2018.
However, that hasn’t stopped him from being in Roberto Mancini’s UEFA Euros squad. The former Manchester City manager, in the absence of Leonardo Spinazzola, started Emerson in the semi-final win over Spain.
But Spalletti looks like he has just revealed a vital piece of information regarding the future of the 26-year-old former AS Roma star. When asked about a possible transfer for Emerson, he said (as quoted by Romano):
“I can’t say if I called Emerson to join Napoli or not… maybe yes, maybe it’s happened.”
It remains to be seen what left-backs Thomas Tuchel opts to start the 2021/22 season with, but regardless of the German’s choice, Emerson could remain out of favour. Currently, Chelsea have Marcos Alonso and Ben Chilwell in that position.
The duo battled it out for starts under the German, but Emerson did not have a single minute in the Premier League during that time. He was, however, vital in the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid last season.
He is currently on the verge of European glory again as his national team take on England in the 2020 UEFA European Championship final. With no Spinazzola, he can be expected to start that game as well.
If, under any circumstance, he stays, it would not be a bad option to have him in the squad down that flank. But even if he leaves, the club should not feel as if they are losing a vital player in their starting XI.
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