Transfer saga goes full circle as new option emerges for Chelsea full-back

Rick Karsdorp trying to win ball from Davide Zappacosta

Another suitor has emerged for a player Chelsea are trying to offload for good before the transfer window closes, according to reports.

Chelsea have spent big to re-sign Romelu Lukaku and will soon be turning their attention to relaunching their pursuit of Jules Kounde. But they also must focus on some player exits. One of those they are looking to move on, although not for a large fee, is Davide Zappacosta.

The Italian wing-back arrived at Stamford Bridge during the Antonio Conte era. However, he made just 26 Premier League appearances across two seasons before heading out on loan.

A spell at Roma was disrupted by a serious injury, but he got back on track last season with Genoa. Now, he is still waiting to find out where he will be playing next season.

A recent report revealed that Genoa would like to sign him on a permanent basis. But they would also face competition from Fiorentina if La Viola sell Pol Lirola.

In fact, there is now a third suitor in the running for Zappacosta, whose career could come full circle. According to Alfredo Pedulla of SportItalia, Atalanta are now in the running to sign him.

Zappacosta previously played for Atalanta in the 2014-15 season, after also being owned by the club a few years prior but spending that time out on loan. After a solitary season in Bergamo, he moved to Torino, who turned him into a player capable of playing for Chelsea.

Those days seem to have definitively passed, although a side of Champions League calibre could retain their faith in him.

Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta in Milan in June 2021

Pedulla claims that Atalanta are willing to take Zappacosta back on a permanent basis, whereas Genoa would be open to another loan. The latter solution would not be particularly beneficial for Chelsea, because the 29-year-old is in the last year of his contract.

Therefore, the Atalanta option could be an appealing one if the price is right. According to Pedulla, there has been contact between the two clubs.

It does not appear the deal is particularly close, but with dialogue open, there could be more developments.

Chelsea selling stars to Serie A

As well as Zappacosta, another Chelsea player who could move to Italy is striker Tammy Abraham.

Although holding out for a move to Arsenal, Abraham has emerged as a top target for Jose Mourinho at Roma. In fact, Chelsea have accepted an offer from their former boss.

The Blues would prefer to sell to a foreign club rather than a Premier League rival – particularly one on their doorstep.

But with Abraham still stalling over personal terms, Roma are ready to enter decisive talks to learn his stance once and for all…

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