Ethan Ampadu could be heading back to Italy this summer with Spezia hoping to complete a move for the young Chelsea defender, according to reports.
Last season the Welsh central defender was on loan with Venezia in the Serie A and made a total of 29 appearances.
The season ended in relegation for the Italian side, but Ampadu still displayed his talent and was handed the opportunity to impress Thomas Tuchel in pre-season this summer.
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Having only made 12 appearances in the Chelsea first team and after being shipped around on loan, he has never been a favoured option at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Chelsea strengthening their defence this summer following the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, the Blues have also lost both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
This has left a spot open in the backline to be fought for, and last month Ampadu confirmed he wants to achieve his Chelsea ‘dream’.
He said to The Athletic while on tour in pre-season: “There are a few of us with the same mindset that want to break through. We’re out here now and it’s our chance to show it.
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“Like every footballer out there, my dream is to be at the top.
“I don’t think that’s a bad thing to say and dream; everyone wants to be at the top. It’s about fighting and getting towards that.”
Even though he is keen to earn a place at Chelsea, the 21-year-old wants to be playing regular football to ensure he is in the best condition ahead of the World Cup.
Wales qualified for the tournament for the first time in 64 years, and Ampadu is determined to be a key member of the squad.
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There were some solid displays put in during pre-season as the Blues toured the United States and faced Udinese in Italy, but latest reports suggest Ampadu could be on his way out this summer.
Gianluca Di Marzio has shared that Spezia are expecting to close a deal with Chelsea for the centre-backs signature.
Chelsea are said to be open to the idea of letting go of Ampadu.
The Blues have also reached an agreement for Malang Sarr to complete a loan move to AS Monaco and they could see Levi Colwill leave as well, as they plan to use the 19-year-old to boost their pursuit of Marc Cucurella.
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This could leave Tuchel’s side rather depleted at the back, should they suffer any major injuries to the defence there will be a lack of options available.
The Blues are eyeing Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana, but given the expected transfer fee of around £80 million, it would be a tough deal to get over the line.
It remains to be seen what other business the west London side will get up to in the remainder of the window, but with their season opener against Everton on Saturday, players need to be brought.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Football, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
