Transfer News: Chelsea want €25m for Emerson Palmieri amid Napoli interest
According to transfer news from Calciomercato (h/t Mirror), Chelsea are demanding a total sum of €25m from Serie A bigwigs Napoli for out-of-favour defender Emerson Palmieri.
Emerson arrived at Chelsea from Italian outfit AS Roma in January 2018. However, he has struggled to carve out a regular starting berth for himself at Stamford Bridge. To date, the 26-year-old has featured just 70 times for Chelsea across all competitions, scoring two goals and setting up five more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Having been behind the likes of Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso in the pecking order at the Bridge last season, the 26-year-old managed to make only 15 appearances across all competitions, not seeing a single minute of Premier League football under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
Given his situation, Chelsea are keen on offloading him in the ongoing transfer window, with Emerson attracting interest from back home in Italy, with Napoli keen on signing him. However, the Blues have slapped a valuation of €25m on the full-back, which could prove to be a stumbling block in the deal.
Indeed, as per the report, Chelsea are demanding a payment of €20m upfront for the defender, with another €5m to be paid in add-ons. Napoli, though, are hoping to negotiate with the reigning European champions over the price for Emerson.
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Emerson is currently away on international duty with Italy at the UEFA Euro 2020. Following the injury to Leonardo Spinazzola, the 26-year-old Chelsea star started the semi-final clash against Spain at left-back and is in line to feature again later tonight when the Azzurri take on England in the finals.
As for his future at Chelsea, Emerson’s time certainly seems up. It, however, remains to be seen if Napoli or any other club are willing to meet the Blues’ demands for the defender.