Out of favour Chelsea right-back Davide Zappacosta is attracting interest from AS Roma as the defender seeks a return to Italy. Zappacosta managed just four Premier League appearances under compatriot Maurizio Sarri last season, and his fortunes at Stamford Bridge don’t look like changing under Frank Lampard.
The new Chelsea boss has rather promised youngster Reece James that he will play a part this season, alongside captain Cesar Azpilicueta. According to Italian paper Corriere Della Sera, Zappacosta could be a target for Roma, who are looking to upgrade their defence ahead of the new season.
The Italian side’s priority remains a central defender, with Toby Alderweireld their number one target, although they are not prepared to meet Tottenham’s full valuation.
Depending on the future of Inter Milan target Edin Dzeko, the next piece of the jigsaw for Roma would either be a striker or a right-back, with none of their present options on that side of defence being totally convincing.
Their shortlist has been narrowed down to two names – Napoli’s Elseid Hysaj, reportedly also of interest to Spurs – and Zappacosta, who could be a cheaper solution.
Roma’s sporting director Gianluca Petrachi signed Zappacosta at Torino in 2015 for just €3.5m, before selling him to Chelsea for €25m two years later. Now, he could be eyeing up a reunion with the 27-year-old, who is eager to return to his homeland.