Zappacosta ‘open’ to Italy return as Chelsea solicit any takers — report

According to a report from Goal, Chelsea right-back Davide Zappacosta is still willing to consider an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer, with a return to his home country and the Serie A in mind. However, there are doubts whether any actual opportunities will be available before the Italian transfer window closes on August 23 (the day before the season starts, though free agents can be registered all the way until the standard Europe-wide deadline on September 2).

Back in January, Zappacosta was reported as the ‘No.1 target’ for Lazio in their search for a new fullback. However, that spot has since been filled with former S.P.A.L. defender Manuel Lazzari, who arrived at the Olimpico on a season-long loan with a £13.5m option to buy.

And while a right-back spot could be open with the potential exit of João Cancelo from Juventus, there has not been any “concrete” interest from Juventus or anyone else, and that despite Chelsea making Zappacosta available on loan to ensure opportunities for Reece James this season as Cesar Azpilicueta’s backup.

Chelsea do need to sell or loan out at least a couple non-homegrown players, too, which makes figuring out Zappacosta’s future all the more imperative.