CHELSEA ace Ethan Ampadu is wanted by Italian side Empoli on a season-long loan.
That’s after making just ONE Premier League appearance for the Blues in the last five years.
Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu looks set for a loan move to Empoli
Ampadu, 21, has been at Chelsea since a move from Exeter City in 2017.
But he has never found a way to break into the starting XI.
And after loans at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and Venezia, the Mail claims Ampadu is set to head out again this summer.
Empoli finished 14th in Serie A last season as Ampadu got relegated with Venezia.
But club chiefs were impressed with some of the Wales international’s performances.
And Empoli are now set to make an approach ahead of their campaign opener against Spezia on Sunday.
Ampadu had initially been tipped to stay at Chelsea as back-up to Thiago Silva.
But Thomas Tuchel’s hopes for this season to go from a five-man defence to a back four.
He is desperate to add Leicester’s Wesley Fofana to his current options, which also include Trevoh Chalobah and new signing Kalidou Koulibaly.
And Tuchel made his thoughts on Ampadu clear by not handing him a squad number for the new season.
The versatile centre-back will now be hoping to make a lasting impression at Empoli, with his Chelsea deal running until 2024.
And one player Ampadu is looking to draw inspiration from is fellow young defender Chalobah, who forced his way into Tuchel’s plans last year.
During Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America, Ampadu said: “Of course [I want to emulate Chalobah] but it’s not just me as there are a few of us with that same mindset that want to break through.
“We’re out here now and it’s our chance to show it. Like every footballer out there, my dream is to be at the top.
“I don’t think that’s a bad thing to say and dream; everyone wants to be at the top. It’s about fighting and getting towards that.
“I just want to keep improving, keep putting my head down, fighting and working every day.
“That starts in pre-season to try to get the chance. It’s hard to say because I am not at the top, I’m not playing week in, week out for a team trying to win the Premier League and Champions League.
“So until you get to that point – and once you get there you have to maintain – but it’s about getting there.
“This club fights for everything: Champions League, Premier League. It’s all about fighting here and trying to get to the top.”
