Loan Watch: Chelsea have asked Spezia to play Ethan Ampadu at centre-back.(GETTY Images)
Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu is set to leave on a season-long loan to Serie A side Spezia this summer. Fabrizio Romano via his Twitter account has given the details about the move.
This will be the fourth loan spell for the 21-year-old. The centre-back has previously spent time at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and most recently at Italian side Venezia. It is to be a straight loan spell, with no option to buy.
Ampadu impressed last season in the Serie A while playing for Venezia. The defender made 29 league appearances for his side and provided three assists in the process. He, however, could not help them from being relegated.
Thomas Tuchel seems to have tackled his defensive woes this summer. The free transfer of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen had left a hole to fill at the back. If that was not enough, Cesar Azpilicueta was also tipped to leave the London club.
However, the Blues signed Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella this summer, while Azpilicueta has extended his contract at the west London club. Chelsea are also close in sealing the deal for Wesley Fofana, while Trevoh Chalobah is set to remain at the club for this season.
Reece James has shown in the past couple of games that he is also capable of playing as a centre-back. This leaves Tuchel with enough options at the back, which he can rotate as he pleases. Therefore, it is wise for Ampadu to seek to ply his trade elsewhere.
The loan move benefits the defender too. He can get his desired playing time ahead of the World Cup in November. The 21-year-old is highly likely to make the Wales squad for the tournament and game time will be necessary for that. A straight loan also helps the Blues monitor his progress and decide whether is good enough to start for the club in the future.
Chelsea meanwhile will hope to bounce back after their disappointing defeat against Southampton. The Blues have only won two games this season and Tuchel will hope to make it three in their next outing. Stamford Bridge will host West Ham United this Saturday for a London derby.
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