Chelsea left back Emerson Palmieri remains on Napoli’s radar as well — report

The arrival of Ben Chilwell to Chelsea and his quick ascension to a key first-team player has unsurprisingly sidelined both Marcos Alonso and Emerson at the left back position, and thrown their futures at the club into serious doubt. But thanks in part to the pandemic, neither was able to secure a move away from the club in the summer.

No professional enjoys not playing however, and Emerson has had no qualms about making his unhappiness known recently. In return, he’s gotten some vague interest from Juventus, Inter Milan, Crystal Palace, and, now, according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica (via Tutto Mercato Web), Napoli as well.

Napoli have been linked repeatedly since April, and the 26-year-old is apparently seen as a “strong” left-back who could help Napoli push on from their good start to the season (currently sitting third in the league).

The report claims that initial contacts have been made, and Chelsea would be open to a “free transfer until the end of the season” — which we can only assume means a loan, perhaps with some sort of clause tacked on to the end.

Not the worst option, although Emerson has been the preferred backup to Chilwell in recent weeks, and losing him might not be too smart depending on our own ambitions.