Transfer Centre

Chelsea to up interest in Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 22 January 2019

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri reportedly remains keen for the Blues to sign Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj before the end of January.

Head coach Maurizio Sarri has reportedly asked Chelsea to up their efforts to sign Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj.

Chelsea currently find themselves in fourth place in the Premier League table, but a number of defeats and unconvincing performances have resulted in Sarri criticising his players and the club's supporters being left unhappy with the Italian's tactics.

The Blues are expected to be active in the transfer window over the next nine days, and according to The Mirror, Sarri still wants to secure a reunion with Hysaj.

The Albania international has fallen out of favour at the Naples-based outfit, but the full-back was a success when working under Sarri during his team at the Serie A side.

The report suggests that the acquisition of Hysaj may lead to Cesar Azpilicueta's position coming under threat, although Davide Zappacosta, Victor Moses and Emerson Palmieri have all been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are said to be keen on securing a loan deal, although Napoli are unlikely to part ways with the 24-year-old unless they receive a big-money offer.