Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri remains Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri’s preferred left-back target this summer as the Italian club are looking for an opportunity to make their move, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Emerson is now taking part in Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the United States following a season-long loan spell at French side Lyon last season.
The 27-year-old is one of the three obvious left-back options at Thomas Tuchel’s disposal alongside Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso after Ian Maatsen’s loan move to Burnley.
While, as things stand, the manager has plenty of options, the situation may soon change considering Alonso is reportedly close to joining Barcelona.
Tuchel managed to finish last season rather well with just two left wing-back options, with Alonso practically being the only option for the second half of the campaign due to Chilwell’s injury, but it was certainly far from ideal.
There is always a possibility that Chelsea will be in the market for a new left-back, although a versatile defender who can play both centrally and on the left would arguably be the better option.
While it seems unlikely that Tuchel is willing to let go of both Alonso and Emerson in the same transfer window, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Lazio have not given up on their pursuit of the latter.
Sarri, who worked with Emerson at Chelsea, is said to consider the player his preferred target this summer.
The former Roma star still has two years left in his contract at Chelsea and is reportedly valued at over €10million (£8.5m) by the club.
The report claims Lazio are unlikely to be able to afford Chelsea’s asking price and instead, hoping to sign the Italy international on a loan deal.
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