Napoli are the current frontrunners for Emerson Palmieri’s signature, after new head coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed his interest and even hinted at contacts with the left back who is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, but they aren’t willing to meet Chelsea’s asking price of around €20-25m.
That’s not too surprising in this economy for a player with just one year left on his contract — though some reports claim we have an option to extend that be a year — but according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Inside Futbol), Napoli are only willing to spend €8m. That would be quite a discount!
One possible resolution to this deadlock is a loan deal — surprise! — and the report claims that Chelsea are open to that, as long as there is an obligatory purchase clause inserted into the deal as well. This would guarantee more money to Chelsea, albeit at a later date, though it’s unclear how much closer to our asking price Napoli would be willing to get with this kind of arrangement.
Corriere dello Sport meanwhile reports that a deal for Emerson could depend on Mario Rui’s future, with the latter in talks with Galatasaray over a move. Should Rui’s departure indeed be finalized, Napoli will do everything they can to sign Emerson, who has been requested by Luciano Spalletti himself.
With Emerson still busy at Euro 2020, this situation will likely drag on for some more time.