KEY POINTS

  • Napoli may enter the race for Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea
  • Palmieri has fallen down the pecking order behind Chilwell and Alonso
  • Palmieri has drawn attention for performing well at the Euro 2020

Emerson Palmieri’s time at Stamford Bridge looks uncertain after the Italian found himself displaced with the arrival of Ben Chilwell.

Rumors are swirling about some teams possibly interested in the prolific left-back. It appears SSC Napoli could join the race.

Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti joked around the possibility of considering Emerson, who has seen pportunities dwindle with the Blues.

He played only 15 times for Chelsea across all competitions during the 2020-21 season, including only two appearances in the English Premier League.

Emerson is currently seeing action for Italy at Euro 2020, where he has played three games. One of them was getting the starting nod of Robert Marcini against Spain.

“I can’t say if I called Emerson to join Napoli or not... maybe yes, maybe it’s happened,” the Napoli manager said in a report from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

If Spalletti’s comments are to be taken seriously, Napoli could crowd Inter Milan who has also shown interest in the 26-year-old player.

His value is said to be around £17 million ($23.42 million).

Aside from Chilwell, another player who has been standing out to keep the Italian down the pecking order is Marcos Alonso.

His name has been mentioned as a makeshift move in the Blues’ chase for Achraf Hakimi.

All those were foiled when the 22-year-old ended up joining Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year deal recently.

With Hakimi no longer viable, Alonso becomes the viable option for Thomas Tuchel next season.

There was alleged interest in him by Inter Milan, but the Blues made sure to command an outrageous price to make sure the Spanish football player stays at Stamford Bridge.

Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea
Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea Getty Images | Steve Bardens

Aside from that, the 30-year-old winger appears to be content with his stint at Chelsea.

He is currently the guy behind Chilwell, a reason why Palmieri has been displaced.

Aside from Palmieri, there are several other Blues players expected to leave. Davide Zappacosta’s name has been mentioned although he is likely to be sent out on loan instead.

Trevoh Chabolah has reportedly gotten interested from West Brom. The Academy graduate has failed to impress the Blues coaching thrust and may have better opportunities playing elsewhere next season.

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