Chelsea transfer news: Blues ‘sign Italy and Torino defender Davide Zappacosta for £23million’
Antonio Conte appears to have moved to strengthen attacking options after missing out on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
CHELSEA are to sign Torino and Italy full-back Davide Zappacosta, according to reports in Italy.
Antonio Conte is believed to have sealed a £23million move after missing out on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, say Sky Italia.
The former Arsenal star has moved to Liverpool on a long-term deal for £40m.
But Conte has moved to strengthen his attacking options by dipping into the market back home in his native Italy.
Zappacosta, 25, has made 52 appearances for Torino since his Serie A debut back in 2015.
Cedric Soares and Serge Aurier have also been linked with the wing back role at Stamford Bridge.
But former Paris Saint-Germain star Aurier has completed a move to Spurs.
Zappacosta has four caps for Italy since making his senior bow last year.
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Davide Zappacosta factfile
- Born June 11, 1992, Zappacosta started his football career at Sora in 1998.
- Senior career began at Isola Liri in 2010 before a move to Atalanta arrived the following year.
- A loan spell at Avellino preceded a permanent move there, where he scored three goals in 56 appearances.
- Zappacosta then rejoined Atalanta in 2014 before switching to Torino in 2015.
- Made his international debut on November 12 last year against Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier.
- Has been likened to Italy legend Gianluca Zambrotta.
Chelsea's substitutes bench has looked bare this season even after overcoming their opening day stumble against Burnley.
Victor Moses has remained at right wing-back with Marcos Alonso at left wing-back.
The options to cover those players is slim so it is little surprise that Conte has looked for reinforcements in that area.
