Napoli have submitted a bid of just under €15 million for the services of Chelsea’s Emerson, with Luciano Spalletti keen on a reunion.
According to a report from Calciomercato, Napoli have stepped up their pursuit of Emerson Palmieri. The Chelsea full-back has been identified as a key target by new coach Luciano Spalletti, who wants a reunion after playing a vital role in the player’s success at AS Roma a few years ago.
Napoli, in fact, have registered an offer of just under €15 million to prise Emerson away from Stamford Bridge. Although Chelsea are open to selling their unwanted left-back, it does fall short of their reported valuation of €20 million.
The disparity in value isn’t too much, but the recent reports suggesting Inter Milan’s interest in Emerson should give Chelsea the leverage to stay put on their valuation for now. It is believed that the Italian international is set to play a crucial role in giving the Premier League giants the upper hand over PSG in pursuit of Achraf Hakimi, as Inter Milan are interested in Emerson, in addition to Andreas Christensen.
Such interest from Italian clubs for the services of Emerson is quite surprising, though, as the player never really got going in the Premier League. During his time at Stamford Bridge, the 26-year-old has struggled with a lack of game-time, making just six league appearances this past season, falling behind Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso in the pecking order.
Clubs are perhaps being swayed by the success Emerson had during his time in Italy. Under Spaletti at Roma, the Italian international was a major force in the left-back position, especially in the 2016/17 campaign. His performances even helped the Giallorossi become Juventus’ main competitors for a time.
Spalletti is now keen on a reunion as he looks to spill his magic at his new club Napoli. Emerson can be an ideal competitor to the likes of Elseid Hysaj and Mario Rui, making him a viable option for the Partenopei.
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On the other hand, Chelsea might want to keep hold of Emerson until Inter Milan come knocking, knowing that it might significantly improve their chances of sealing the services of Hakimi. The club are already willing to splash €60 million for the Moroccan international, although it might, unfortunately, hinder their progress in the pursuit of another top target Erling Haaland.
