‘One of the best’: Canoville says Chelsea must keep 21-year-old player next season when he returns from loan abroad

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Canoville has urged Chelsea to use Ethan Ampadu in the first-team squad next season when he returns from his loan abroad.

Ampadu, 21, has spent this campaign overseas with Italian top-flight side Venezia.

The versatile youngster has made 26 appearances so far this season as an important player, showing his qualities in various defensive and midfield positions.

He can play centre-back or defensive midfield to a high standard. He’s even filled in at right-back, too.

The senior Wales international is still under contract with Chelsea until 2024, so it’ll be interesting to see what Blues manager Thomas Tuchel has planned for him in pre-season.

Ex-Chelsea player Canoville thinks Ampadu is one of the very best utility players around, which is why he should be part of the senior group.

Chelsea opportunity?

Ampadu, who’s played 12 first-team games for Chelsea, is a really intriguing talent.

It’s going to be interesting to see how far he’s developed and matured during a whole year out on loan in Italian football.

Canoville will be disappointed to hear transfer rumours regarding the Blues youngster, though.

It’s been reported that Chelsea have decided to sell Ampadu in the summer window amid interest from five clubs. Norwich City, Swansea City, Bournemouth, Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Town are all interested in his signature.

With Antonio Rudiger leaving in the summer, the Blues will need to work out who can replace him in the back three.

Ampadu is someone that could slot into Tuchel’s preferred system of a back three, but next season’s future is so hard to predict.

Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.