Davide Zappacosta has found it hard to find starts at Chelsea. (imago Images)
According to transfer news from Italian publication Calciomercato (h/t Daily Star), Italian full-back Davide Zappacosta looks set to leave Chelsea this summer.
The Blues defender does not seem to be in Thomas Tuchel’s immediate plans at the club and is poised to exit Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis. The Blues are keen to be rid of the player and will demand £10m for his services.
The 29-year-old has been at Chelsea since 2017 and has made just 52 appearances for the club in all competitions. He notably spent the last two seasons out on loan at AS Roma and Genoa. (h/t Transfermarkt)
According to the report, a return to the Italian top-flight looks to be in the works. Excluding his stint at Chelsea, Zappacosta has spent the entirety of his career in the Mediterranean nation. A forgotten man at the Bridge, a return home could help him rekindle his career.
Serie A champions Inter Milan were linked with a move for the player earlier this summer. The links have since gone cold and the Nerazzuri have turned their attention to procuring Arsenal ace Hector Bellerin.
Zappacosta’s last league appearance for the club came against Leicester City in a 0-0 draw played out in May 2019. It is fair to assume that he has already played his last game in Chelsea colours.
A highly versatile player, Zappacosta can play on either flank and also in midfield if needed. While his journey in Blue may be coming to an end, he could be a very useful player for a number of clubs across the continent. Exactly where he ends up remains to be seen.
English international Reece James is the club’s first-choice right-back when fit. While Cesar Azpilicueta does offer experience and is an able backup, he is not getting younger. Tuchel will have to ensure that we have enough strength in depth going into the 2021/22 campaign.
Chelsea were linked to Achraf Hakimi earlier this year. This could indicate that the club is looking to bring in a new right-back this summer. Whether that plan will remain the same if there are no takers for Zappacosta remains to be seen.
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