Fabrizio Romano claims 21-year-old is close to leaving Chelsea after agreement between clubs

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Chelsea and Serie A side Spezia have reached an agreement over a loan deal for versatile defender Ethan Ampadu, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Despite several appearances in pre-season games as a centre-back, Ampadu has yet to play in a competitive game under Thomas Tuchel so far.

Tuchel seemed to be impressed by the 21-year-old’s performance in the middle of the back three during the first team’s tour in the United States, but that was clearly not enough to convince the manager.

The Blues have since brought in Kalidou Koulibaly and are reportedly close to signing Leicester City star Wesley Fofana.

While Chelsea have reportedly decided not to allow Trevoh Chalobah to leave the club this summer, Ampadu is on the verge of leaving, according to Romano.

“Spezia are set to sign Ampadu from Chelsea,” the Italian transfer expert wrote on Twitter.

“[I’ve] been told the deal is now progressing to the signing stage.

“Ampadu has agreed personal terms and [there is a] full agreement between the clubs in place.”

Romano added that Ampadu is expected to join Spezia on a season-long loan with an option to buy at around €15million (£12.7m) with the medical scheduled early next week.

No room for versatile Ampadu at Chelsea

The former Exeter star is under contract at Chelsea until 2024, so it is arguably risky for Chelsea to agree to an option to buy, rather than an obligation, since the player will enter the final year of his contract next summer.

Many would also argue that the Wales international could have been a very good squad player at Chelsea, given his versatility, butt Tuchel already has his utility player in Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

While Loftus-Cheek is unlikely to play as a centre-back, although he did it once last season, Chalobah’s staying, Cucurella’s being able to play in the back three, as well as Fofana’s potential arrival, would give Tuchel plenty of options this season.

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