Chelsea transfer news: Davide Zappacosta reveals signing for the Blues is a dream

The Torino right-back joined Chelsea in the closing hours of the transfer window yesterday in a deal worth £23million plus add-ons.

Antonio Conte was desperate to improve his defensive options in order to provide competition for Victor Moses.

And he managed to thrash out a transfer for the 25-year-old Zappacosta, who he handed an Italy cap to when he was in charge of the national team.

Speaking after completing his switch, Zappacosta said: “It is a dream for me to join Chelsea and play in the Premier League.

“I am very excited to be here and start working with the team. 

“I hope I can show my quality to the coach, my team-mates and the supporters.”

Technical director Michael Emenalo said: “Davide is a player of international calibre who Antonio Conte knows well and we have been aware of for some time. 

“We are very pleased to be able to bring him to the club and believe he will become an important member of the squad.”

Zappacosta is quite versatile as he can function as a wing-back or full-back.

Meanwhile, the Blues lost out on a deal to sign Everton star Ross Barkley on deadline day.

The England international was having a medical at the club’s Cobham training complex, but he pulled out of a move at the 11th hour.