“First name on the list” – Chelsea player pushed towards exit door, he has destination preference

Emerson Palmieri returning to Italian football is a constant theme in the country’s media. The Chelsea player has made it clear he could leave the Blues in January, hoping to find more prominence elsewhere.

After a good performance for Italy against Poland, he’s helped his cause and underlined why Serie A clubs are interested in signing the fullback.

Ciro Venerato, an Italian journalist with strong Napoli connections, insists there’s interest in the player. Quoted by AreaNapoli he’s stated Palmieri is the “first name on the list” for Napoli as they look for a new fullback option.

However, Napoli can’t invest heavily if they don’t sell players first, and Chelsea’s asking price is put at €25m. Palmieri wants a contract which will see him make €4m a year, a figure which is likely to be after tax.

The preferred option for a transfer is a loan with a buying clause.

Even if all those dominoes fall as Napoli would like, it doesn’t mean they’ll get the player. Venerato states the Chelsea man would instead prefer a move to either Juventus or Inter Milan, so Gennaro Gattuso’s side would only become an option if the other destinations are unavailable.

Napoli are also keen on securing Tiémoué Bakayoko on a permanent deal, but will hope to get Chelsea down from their €20m asking price.