Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu is set to join Serie A side Spezia on loan with a €15 million option to buy, according to reports in Italy.
The 21-year-old impressed last season during his loan spell at Venezia despite their relegation.
Making 29 appearances last season, the Wales international played as both a central defender and defensive midfielder for his side.
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And it now appears that he could return to Italy this summer, with Chelsea originally not handing Ampadu a squad number this season.
With an injury to N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly’s suspension, Ampadu made his first appearance in the matchday squad as he was named on the bench against Leicester City.
The 21-year-old did not feature, however, with Chelsea reduced to ten men as they came out 2-1 victors on Saturday.
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for Ampadu in pre-season, after an impressive performance against Club America during the tour of America.
"Ethan did very well, I think,” he said.
“The position is a good position for him in the middle of the back three. He played a lot of vertical passes and did not play left to right only.
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"He played through the lines with his passes and dribbles. So he was very active, and it was a good match for him. He is training well.”
However, with the imminent arrival of Wesley Fofana from Leicester City, it appears that Ampadu will be granted his exit.
It was previously revealed that Ampadu was in talks to leave Chelsea amid interest from several Premier League and Serie A sides.
Empoli and Spezia were said to be interested in the move, with it now being revealed that Ampadu has made a decision on his future.
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As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, Spezia are set to complete the signing of Ampadu.
The Wales international has agreed on personal terms, while both Chelsea and Spezia have agreed on a deal.
The Serie A side will complete the contract on a loan move for Ampadu.
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This transfer will see an option to buy of €15 million. His medical is said to be scheduled for Tuesday as he looks to complete the transfer.
It remains to be seen as to whether the youngster will end up signing on a permanent transfer, with the option to buy there.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Serie A, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms