Sampdoria are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu.
According to ClubDoria, Sampdoria have identified Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu as a possible summer signing, joining Spezia in the race to sign him. Ampadu spent the last season on loan at Serie A side Venezia, making 29 appearances for them in Serie A.
Ampadu has been with Chelsea since 2017 but has made just 12 first-team appearances for them. He has spent the last three seasons out on loan, at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and Venezia.
Ampadu’s initial contract with the Blues was set to expire last year, but Chelsea tied him down to a longer deal before sending him out on a year-long loan to Serie A. The 21-year-old has now returned to Chelsea but doesn’t feature in Thomas Tuchel’s plans going forward.
As a result, the Blues could again send the versatile player out on loan with both Spezia and Sampdoria showing interest. Fiorentina were also said to be interested in getting the Welshman on board this summer but they did not get into a serious pursuit of Ampadu.
Spezia have reportedly made an official approach for a year-long loan but Chelsea are yet to make a decision on whether to accept the offer. However, as per the aforementioned report, the Blues are open to the possibility of letting him go again this summer and gauge his development before deciding on his long-term future at the club.
Sampdoria have seen both Maya Yoshida and Giangiacomo Magnani depart this summer and see Ampadu as a possible replacement. The youngster’s ability to play in multiple positions also gives him the edge over other options.
Ampadu can play as a defensive midfielder, right-back, and left-back, along with his preferred central defensive position. It remains to be seen whether Tuchel decides to let the Wales international leave or add him to his squad for the upcoming season, with two Italian clubs showing serious interest.
Considering that Chelsea have signed Kalidou Koulibaly and are planning to add more defenders, Ampadu is unlikely to have a place in the squad at Stamford Bridge. A loan spell away could be in the best interests of everyone involved.
