The Brazilian midfielder was reportedly the subject of a failed ‚é¼25 million (£17.5 million) bid last week from Chelsea, who have set the transfer market alight following Roman Abramovich's takeover.
The Russian billionaire has already forked out nearly £40 million to lure Glen Johnson, Geremi, Wayne Bridge and Damien Duff to Stamford Bridge.
A central midfielder has also been a priority for The Blues with Edgar Davids, Juan Sebastian Veron and Patrick Vieira all mooted as targets.
Roma ace Emerson is also believed to have been on Abramovich's shopping list and the 27-year-old would inject further quality into the Blues' engine room.
But Roma have already rebuffed an offer for the South American with the former Bayer Leverkusen star admitting he does not want to quit Stadio Olimpico.
"I want to stay at Roma," vowed Emerson. "I know nothing about Chelsea.
"We are a strong team and (Cristian) Chivu is a big arrival. We have many motivations. We are a big team and I want to win something."
