Chelsea defender emerges as Napoli's top target

Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri has emerged as the top defensive target for Napoli this summer.

The Serie A outfit are without Faouzi Ghoulam with a long-term injury while Mario Rui has been linked with Galatasaray. 

Hence, they are eyeing a new left-back, and Emerson has emerged as the top candidate for new manager Luciano Spalletti.

Emerson was behind Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso in the pecking order last season, and he could be sold this summer.

He has entered the final year of his contract. No talks are planned with the Blues open to sanctioning his departure.

Spalletti previously worked with Emerson at Roma, and believes he can lure him with the assurance of regular game time.

Emerson was recently in action for his country at the European Championships where they beat England in the final.

He was initially on the bench, but became a regular starter after Leonardo Spinazzola suffered a serious Achilles injury.

Emerson could be available for around £15m.