Chelsea right-back Davide Zappacosta is set to return to Italy and join Roma on loan after failing to make a major impact at Stamford Bridge, it has been reported.
The Blues are ready to leave the Italian leave on loan to Roma before the end of the summer transfer window, according to Guardian.
Zappacosta is the latest defender who is expected to see the exit door at Stamford Bridge this year, following the departures of Ola Aina, Tomas Kalas, and David Luiz, as well as Gary Cahill.
The Italian was signed by Antonio Conte from Torino in 2017 for a fee of €28 million. The right-back played 35 times in his first season at the club, but under Maurizio Sarri, his number of appearances reduced to 17 in all competitions in the 2018-19 season.
He has made a total of 52 appearances for the club in two seasons, scoring twice. The full-back won the FA Cup and Europa League with Chelsea in his two seasons at the club.
Wise for Chelsea to let Zappacosta leave?
New manager Frank Lampard has already put a lot of trust in his young players and those that have come through the Chelsea academy, including the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham, while Callum Hudson-Odoi will also be an important member of the Chelsea squad when he returns from injury.
Another young player who is currently injured is 19-year-old right-back Reece James, who is touted to become a very good player for Chelsea, with Lampard calling James a “big player” recently.
James will mostly play second fiddle to first-choice right-back César Azpilicueta, and will probably get opportunities to start for Chelsea in cup games.
The addition of Reece James to the squad makes this move to allow Zappacosta to leave the club a sensible one.
The Italian hasn’t had a big impact at the club, and his move to Roma works well for all parties as the player will get more playing time, while Chelsea can reduce their wage bill while also promoting a talented young player.
Zappacosta has two years remaining on his contract and Chelsea should try to recoup as much as they can from his sale in the future.
