Lazio are set to start negotiations with to sign left-back Emerson Palmieri this summer.
Since arriving from Roma in 2018, the 27-year-old has failed to make a mark at Stamford Bridge and spent last season on loan at Lyon.
With just one year left on his contract, the Blues are keen to sell the Brazilian-born player as they look to freshen up their defensive options.
According to Italian outlet , Emerson is a target for Lazio with the Serie A side’s manager wanting to reunite with his former player.
The report goes on to say that Chelsea value the Italy international at over £12million and that he may need to take a pay cut to secure a move.
Sarri worked with Emerson during his time in charge of the west London club three years ago.
In the past two seasons, the full-back has made just 16 appearances for Chelsea having fallen out-of-favour under Thomas Tuchel.
The west Londoners already have enough strength in depth at left-back with Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso to choose from.
Funds raised through selling fringe players like Emerson could help Tuchel to secure reported targets in Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt.
However, earlier this year, Emerson indicated that he would be content with returning to Chelsea this summer.
He said: ‘I didn’t speak just yet. For me personally, it’s been a good season, I played a lot of games. Let’s see what happens in the future.
‘I have a contract with Chelsea. I’ve played there for three years and won some things. If I need to go back there I’m happy.’
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