Chelsea in a hurry to conclude Ethan Ampadu exit after opening talks with Serie A suitor

Chelsea are in talks to send Ethan Ampadu back to Serie A, this time with a Spezia side who hope to complete his signing soon – according to reports in Italy.

Ampadu spent the 2021-22 season on loan in Serie A with Venezia. He was part of a squad that suffered relegation to the second tier. However, the important thing was for Ampadu to build up regular gametime, which he managed to.

His tally of 30 appearances across all competitions represented his busiest season yet. It surpassed the 29 appearances he had made for Sheffield United the year before.

Upon returning to Chelsea, Ampadu earned some involvement in pre-season. Thomas Tuchel praised him for his performance in the middle of a back three on one occasion.

However, it seems Tuchel will not be calling upon the Wales international again next season. According to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea want to conclude a deal for Spezia to take Ampadu imminently.

This time, the signs seem to be pointing towards a permanent transfer for the 21-year-old. After all, he has already endured three loan spells away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are open to Ampadu’s departure and both clubs are keen for the negotiations to reach a conclusion as early as possible.

Spezia finished 16th in Serie A last season, after coming one place higher the season before. Ampadu is the kind of recruit they will be hoping can help them establish themselves as more regular features in the top flight.

Ethan Ampadu to adapt within Spezia switch

The move should also enable Ampadu to amass further consistent gametime, which will be especially important in view of the World Cup later this year. The former Exeter City youngster already has 36 caps for the country he represents.

It seems that if he does go to the World Cup in November, he would be doing so as a Spezia player, rather than a Chelsea one.

Tactically, it will be an intriguing move for Ampadu if it goes through. Spezia ended last season lining up with a back four.

In contrast, he had grown accustomed to playing in a back three for Venezia. The same went for his time with Sheffield United and also what has been the case with Chelsea.

Therefore, Ampadu may have to adjust his game to make a success of his spell with Spezia. He can, of course, operate as a centre-back or holding midfielder.

But continuing in Serie A seems like a smart career decision after how he benefited from his stint with Venezia last term.

At his young age, there could still be time for Ampadu to make an impact in the Premier League further down the line. For now, it seems he is being pushed towards Italy again.

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