CHELSEA defender Ethan Ampadu is set to join Serie A side Spezia Calcio on a season-long loan, according to reports.
Ampadu, 21, joined Chelsea from Exeter City in 2017 but has since failed to establish himself as a first-team regular.
He spent the last three seasons out on loan to RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and Venezia respectively.
And he is now expected to be sent out once again before the transfer window slams shut next week.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Ampadu is set for a return to Italy where he will spend this season on loan at Spezia.
The defender will travel out to complete his medical and sign the contract early next week.
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The deal will keep him at the club until June 2023, but there is an option to buy clause worth £12.75million included.
Ampadu has made just 12 senior appearances for Chelsea over the past five years.
But, he is set to fall further down the pecking order when Wesley Fofana joins from Leicester.
The Frenchman has already completed his medical and Chelsea are expected to confirm the huge £75m signing next week.
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Fofana will remain at Stamford Bridge until June 2028 after signing a six-year deal.
He will join new boys Marc Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly in Thomas Tuchel’s defensive set-up.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk