Chelsea have been in negotiations over a potential €50 million (£44m) combined deal for Emerson and striker Edin Dzeko, whose agent Irfan Redzepagic has reportedly flown to London to hold talks with the Premier League champions.

Sources have told ESPN FC that Dzeko, 31, wants assurances over game time before agreeing any move to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea's deal for Emerson is not contingent on the Bosnian and will be be completed now that Kenedy has been allowed to travel north.

Kenedy's career at Chelsea appeared to be over last summer when he was sent home in disgrace from the club's preseason tour of the Far East, having made derogatory comments about China on social media.

Newcastle were interested in a loan deal then but Chelsea's failure to secure a left wing-back to provide cover for Marcos Alonso prompted Antonio Conte to request that the Brazilian be kept at Stamford Bridge, though his appearances since have been limited entirely to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Emerson, who has reportedly agreed a four-year contract with Chelsea, joined Roma on loan from Santos in August 2015 and was signed on a permanent basis for €2m around 18 months later. He has made just one Serie A appearance this season, having torn his anterior cruciate ligament on the final day of the last campaign.

Born in Santos and capped at the under-17 level by Brazil, he switched his international allegiance to Italy in March 2017, though he has yet to represent his new country.

Chelsea's move for Emerson, who becomes the Premier League champions' second January signing after Ross Barkley was acquired for £15m from Everton, also ends any immediate interest in Juventus wing-back Alex Sandro.