Maurizio Sarri eyeing reunion with Chelsea man at Lazio as initial contact revealed

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is hoping to reunite with Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri this summer, according to a report.

Sarri spent one season as Chelsea boss. He took them to third in the Premier League, while the Blues also won the Europa League under his guidance.

He left in June 2019 as Chelsea officials looked to take the side in a new direction. They brought in club legend Frank Lampard as his replacement.

Sarri also had no intention of remaining in west London for another campaign. He felt under-appreciated and went on to join Juventus.

The 63-year-old is now in charge of Lazio, who sit seventh in the Serie A table on 49 points. And he sees Emerson as a potential new arrival for the summer.

The left-back is currently on loan at Lyon, although the French club will not be making his move permanent. His wage demands are too high for their liking.

According to Sport Witness, who cite reports in Italy, Sarri is hoping to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding Emerson’s future.

They claim he has spoken with the 27-year-old on the phone to discuss a move to Lazio. And this action was met positively by Emerson, who has now ‘given the go ahead’ for a transfer.

Sarri has already convinced Lazio sporting director Igli Tare to move for the full-back, too.

However, the Italian club must find the necessary funds to agree a deal with Chelsea.

Emerson will not come cheap as the Blues paid £18million for him in January 2018. They would be looking to recoup most of that fee when selling.

The Italy international is also on large wages, making Lazio’s job even harder.

Emerson has made 29 appearances while on loan at Lyon this campaign. He has found the net once, in a Ligue 1 victory over Troyes back in September.

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