Napoli 'make first offer for Chelsea's Emerson Palmieri'

Napoli have reportedly tabled their first bid for Chelsea full-back Emerson Palmieri.

The former Roma man failed to win over Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel during the 2020-21 campaign, and he remains third in the pecking order behind Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso.

As a result, Emerson is expected to complete a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, and a return to Serie A appears to be the most likely option for the defender.

Napoli are thought to be one of three Italian sides interested in a deal for Emerson, and Calciomercato claims that the Naples outfit have tabled an opening bid of €15m (£12.9m) for the 26-year-old.

Emerson has supposedly been told by Italy manager Roberto Mancini to earn more game time elsewhere, but Chelsea are also thought to be considering the prospect of a player-plus-cash deal involving Achraf Hakimi with Inter Milan.

Emerson's contract with Chelsea is due to expire at the end of next season, but his €4m (£3.4m) yearly wage could be a stumbling block for potential suitors.