Napoli to sign Chelsea defender on a permanent deal?

Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri could make the permanent return to the Serie A with Napoli during the current transfer window.

The 26-year-old's playing time has reduced with the summer arrival of Ben Chilwell and he has made only eight appearances in all competitions.

He has been linked with a departure for a while and Corriere dello Sport claims that Napoli are keen to pursue his services in January.

It is added that the Blues prefer to offload him on a permanent basis and a fee of around £9m could be sufficient to prise him away.

Emerson has made 63 appearances for the Blues in his career, but he has never been able to cement a regular starting role.

He has been the back-up option to Chilwell this term, but his exit may not hamper the Blues with Cesar Azpilicueta present in the ranks.

Elsewhere, Marcos Alonso is another option for the role, but he should leave the club, having not made a competitive appearance since September.