Serie A side join the race to land 21-year-old versatile Chelsea stare

Transfer News: Sassuolo are interested in Chelsea centre-back Ethan Ampadu

According to Di Marzio via Vince on Twitter (h/t football.london), Italian side Sassuolo have entered the race to sign Chelsea centre-back Ethan Ampadu this summer.

The Daily Mail had earlier reported that Empoli, another Italian side was interested in taking the 21-year-old on a season-long loan. It is no surprise that multiple Italian clubs are interested in signing the Wales international given his massive potential.

Ampadu spent the last season on loan at Venezia. and was very impressive despite mainly playing as a defensive midfielder. But his performances could not save his side as they were relegated to the Italian second division.

However, his impressive showings did not go to complete waste. Thomas Tuchel included the young centre-back in his pre-season squad. While the defender did play but was unable to impress the German tactician. On return, he was not allotted a squad number for this season and does not appear to be part of the German’s plans.

Chelsea have been in the market for another centre-back. Wesley Fofana is said to be the main target, but there is no sure indication if he will be a Blue before the window ends. This will leave Chelsea short of options in central defence.

Ampadu is still very young. Despite the experience he has gained, it seems it is not enough. A world-class defender is required at the back if Tuchel and Chelsea want to win trophies this season. Unfortunately, the 21-year-old Wales international is not yet one.

But that does not mean he has no future at Stamford Bridge. Thiago Silva is in the twilight of his career, and maybe Ampadu could be the one to replace him. But for now, a loan move will benefit the player to get the desired playing time. Also, he will want to play a lot as he eyes a seat in the international team for the World Cup in November.

More Chelsea News:

• West Ham United agree fee to sign Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri
• Thomas Tuchel hints at Chelsea opting against signing a new midfielder this summer
• Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was not overly critical of Edouard Mendy’s mistake against Leeds United

It remains to be seen where the player ends up playing. With less than two weeks remaining before the window closes, he will be wise to make up his mind.