Emerson refuses to rule out Chelsea exit after falling down pecking order at Stamford Bridge

Defender Emerson Palmieri has refused to rule out a potential summer exit from Chelsea.

The left-back has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, having only featured in the club's cup competitions this season after the arrival of Ben Chilwell last summer.

According to reports in Italy, Inter Milan and Napoli are both interested in the 26-year-old and Chelsea have responded by slapping a £17million asking price on him.

Emerson, who is currently on international duty with Italy, refused to rule out a move in the future and did not commit his long-term plans to the Premier League side.

'It's still early to talk about the future,' the Chelsea left-back told Rai Sport.

'I am focused on the national team only. We'll see what happens in June. Chelsea can go all the way in the Champions League and the FA Cup. We can win something this season.'

The Azzurri overcame Northern Ireland and Bulgaria in their opening two World Cup qualifiers and are preparing to face Lithuania on Wednesday.

'It's a different group. I've never worked with a group like this one. We are like a family and we are humble,' he added.

'We are working hard, we are happy to stay together, and we show it on the pitch.'

'We respect them, but we want to enter the pitch to win the game. We are focused, we are a group of special players and we feel ready.'