Juventus 'closing in on Emerson Palmieri signing'

Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri is reportedly on the verge of agreeing a deal with Juventus.

The Blues are expected to bring a new left-back to Stamford Bridge during this summer's transfer window, suggesting that Emerson will be surplus to requirements next season.

The 25-year-old has made 18 appearances for Frank Lampard's side this term but has largely struggled to hold down a regular spot and has not played in the Premier League since January.

Juve have been strongly linked with the Italy international in recent weeks, and according to Tuttosport, the Old Lady are now closing in on a deal for the full-back.

Emerson has previously played in Serie A for both Palermo and Roma, making 47 appearances for the latter in all competitions before joining Chelsea on a four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2018.

Lampard's team are thought to be interested in signing either Leicester City's Ben Chilwell or Porto's Alex Telles during this summer's transfer window to fill the troublesome spot in their XI.