Napoli remain in talks with Chelsea for Emerson Palmieri, but Liverpool defender Konstantinos Tsimikas emerges as a possible alternative, reports in Italy claim.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports a Napoli representative is currently in London to continue talks with the Blues for the former Roma defender.
Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti has identified Emerson Palmieri as the No.1 target for the Azzurri this summer, but Chelsea’s asking price is making the deal complicated.
The Premier League giants want €20m to sell the Italy international, while Napoli want to sign Emerson on loan with an option to buy.
On paper, Emerson’s contract expires in June 2022, but Chelsea have an option to extend the player’s stay at Stamford Bridge for one more season.
Talks between the two clubs are ongoing, but Napoli are not open to match the Blues’ asking price.
https://t.co/tyamy5V21h Gazzetta – Sprint Napoli per Emerson Palmieri: emissario Giuntoli a Londra per trattare col Chelsea, la situazione
— CalcioNapoli24.it (@CalcioNapoli24) August 3, 2021
For this reason, the Partenopei have also set their sights on Liverpool defender Konstantinos Tsimikas.
The 25-year-old snubbed a move to the Stadio Maradona one year ago, opting to join Liverpool from Olympiakos.
However, he struggled with playing time last term, and Napoli could begin talks with the Reds if Chelsea don’t lower their economic demands for Emerson Palmieri.