Spezia are reportedly in talks with Chelsea for the transfer of Ethan Ampadu, with the Blues open to offloading him permanently.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Spezia are in talks to sign Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu permanently and are pushing to close the deal at the earliest possible.
Ampadu joined Chelsea from Exeter City back in 2017 and made his senior debut for the club in the same year under then-manager Antonio Conte. The versatile defender, who can also operate as a holding midfielder, has made 12 first-team appearances for the Blues since then, but has been out on loan for each of the last three campaigns.
Indeed, Ampadu has had temporary stints at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and more recently with Italian minnows Venezia during the 2021/22 campaign. During his time in Serie A, the 21-year-old Welshman made 30 appearances and even contributed with three assists before returning to Chelsea at the end of the season.
Despite Chelsea’s lack of numbers in the defensive department, manager Thomas Tuchel does not seem inclined to give Ampadu a chance at Stamford Bridge. And the 21-year-old is all set for a permanent move away from London, with another stint in Italy on the cards for the former Exeter City starlet.
Sampdoria had shown an interest in signing Ampadu on loan, but it is Spezia who look poised to land the Wales international on a permanent deal. Having completed the loan signing of Viktor Kovalenko from Atalanta, the Italians have now turned their focus towards landing Ampadu and wish to close the deal soon.
Talks are reportedly underway between Chelsea and Spezia, with the Blues said to be open to letting Ampadu leave on a permanent transfer even though he still has two years left on his contract with the club.
Ampadu was tipped for a bright future in the game when he arrived at Chelsea from Exeter City five years ago. However, his career has not followed the trajectory that was expected. And having failed to live up to his potential, the 21-year-old will now be hoping to rebuild himself in Italy with Spezia, away from the spotlight and the pressure.
