Transfer News: Young Chelsea defender closing in on another loan exit

Ethan Ampadu in action for Wales. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Transfer News: Ethan Ampadu close to leaving Chelsea for Spezia

Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu is close to leaving Chelsea to join Serie A side Spezia on loan this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

He has been loaned three times in the past, to RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, and Venezia. The German giants did not give him much playing time, while the Blades and Venezia were relegated in the season he played for them on loan.

He made 29 Serie A appearances for I Lagunari last season and is set to join another Italian outfit for the upcoming campaign. At 21, he is at an age where he can benefit from regular minutes.

Manager Thomas Tuchel is now almost spoilt for choices in defence, which is a long way from where he was at the start of this summer window. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s departures on free transfers left the Blues short on centre-backs.

A good move for Ampadu

It seemed like Cesar Azpilicueta would also be on his way out. However, the club captain has renewed his contract and Chelsea signed Kalidou Koulibaly from SSC Napoli.

It is also said that Wesley Fofana is close to joining the Blues from Leicester City before the transfer window deadline on the 1st of September. Trevoh Chalobah is another name that Tuchel can play at the back, even though he has seemed averse to taking that option since the start of April this year.

Ethan Ampadu of Chelsea trains before the UEFA Europa League final. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Reece James, strangely enough, has played two games as a right-sided centre-half this month. It’s best for the Wales international to go to a club where he can play regularly, especially with the FIFA World Cup in November, where his country will take part.