ETHAN AMPADU has opened up over his ‘frustrating’ RB Leipzig loan and eyes a regular Chelsea spot next season.
The 19-year-old has managed just seven appearances for Leipzig since the Blues shipped him off to the German side on loan last summer.
The Welsh youngster has failed to burst into the Leipzig first-team as they fight for the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
Arsenal target Dayot Upamecano is first-choice centre-back and the Frenchman is valued at around £85million.
But that’s not to say he hasn’t impressed when he has been on the pitch.
The Blues starlet left Chelsea fans begging for him to return to Stamford Bridge after his masterclass against Spurs in the Champions League.
The Welshman had the most touches of the ball, completed the most passes, made the most interceptions and had the highest pass accuracy of 95 per cent.
Ampadu has since confirmed that he is on a mission to force his way back into Frank Lampard’s side.
Reflecting on his loan stint in Germany, he told The Athletic: “To be honest, mixed. Yeah, I’d say mixed.
“There’s been a lot of frustration at times, however, I’ve learned a lot through those frustrations which will only help me later in my career.
“I’ve not played as many games as I’d have liked to but in the games I’ve played in, I think I’ve done reasonably well. That’ll give me confidence, but I’ve things to learn from.
“If I’m honest, it’s not been as good as I hoped, not all that I wanted it to be. But I hope technically I’ve improved and, tactically, I’ve now played under another manager.
“So I’ve learned another style of football and how another manager thinks football should be played.”
The Welsh international’s future looks increasingly uncertain with the Blues plotting a swoop for Lille defender, Gabriel Magalhaes.
According to French news outlet Le10 Sport, the West Londoners have contacted Lille about the potential signings of striker Victor Osimhen and centre-back Gabriel.
Brazilian defender Gabriel has been in scintillating form for the Ligue 1 outfit, with the 22-year-old appearing in a total of 34 matches.
Ampadu added: “First I’d like to be fit and healthy, of course, and have played regularly throughout the season in a good competition, improve as a player and as a person, hopefully put myself in contention to make Wales’ Euros squad.
“I’d be open to another loan move if that’s what’s necessary.
“My end goal is to hopefully one day be a regular at Chelsea, but for now I’ve to think about the now, and do what is needed.”
Getting actual game time could also be vital to Ampadu staying in Ryan Giggs’ Wales plans for Euro 2021.
In total, the now nine-time capped Wales international has notched 12 appearances for Chelsea’s senior side.
