Revealed: Why Napoli want to call off move for Chelsea’s Emerson as Serie A turn attention to Getafe defender

Napoli are turning towards Getafe left-back Mathias Olivera as a cheaper alternative to Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea, according to Sky Sport Italia.

New coach Luciano Spalletti has requested Emerson, who impressed for Italy at UEFA EURO 2020 when taking over from injured Leonardo Spinazzola.

However, the asking price from Chelsea remains well over €20m, considerably more than the Partenopei are prepared to offer.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli are instead turning towards a cheaper alternative in the form of Mathias Olivera.

The 23-year-old Getafe left-back is Uruguayan and can also play in a more advanced role down the left side of midfield.

His contract with Getafe runs to June 2023 and the asking price is reported to be circa €15-18m.

This would not be a huge saving on Emerson, but Olivera does have much lower salary demands and at only 23 is more of an investment than Emerson, who will turn 27 next month.