Transfer Centre

Davide Zappacosta set for Chelsea exit?

By Leo Nieboer | 05 August 2019

Davide Zappacosta is reportedly granted a move away from Chelsea this summer as the Blues look to hand minutes to youngster Reece James for the 2019-20 season.

Davide Zappacosta will reportedly be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer as the Blues look to hand minutes to youngster Reece James over the 2019-20 season.

The Italian full-back, who joined Chelsea in 2017, is understood to be keen on a return to his homeland after managing only four Premier League outings last season.

New manager Frank Lampard wants to employ James as an understudy to captain Cesar Azpilicueta, with Chelsea even reportedly rejecting a £25m bid from Crystal Palace for the 19-year-old.

According to The Telegraph, Zappacosta is deemed as surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and will be granted a move away this month.

James is currently recovering from ankle surgery and will not be fit until the end of the month, but Chelsea can afford to wait to sell Zappacosta until September 2, when the Serie A transfer window closes.

Lampard is determined to nurture the club's academy talent this season due to the club's transfer ban and has even appointed former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele to assist in readying youngsters for first-team action.