CHELSEA are set to sign Elseid Hysaj, Napoli-based journalist Emanuele Cammaroto claims.
Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is expected to splash the cash in the January transfer window.
Reports this week claimed Chelsea have opened talks over a £41m deal for Napoli right-back Hysaj, with Sarri a big admirer of the defender.
And according to Cammaroto, Chelsea will sign Hysaj, it’s just a matter of when.
“Hysaj is on the way out,” he wrote in Napoli magazine.
“Ancelotti is ready to let him leave, and Aurelio de Laurentiis didn’t appreciate the take it or leave it offer on the contract, as the renewal terms were too high.
“The goodbye is already on the agenda, the Albanian will go to his mentor Sarri.”
He added: “All that’s left is to know if it’ll happen in June or January.
“The potential summer ban for Chelsea could make the negotiations start suddenly, but Napoli want the €50m from the clause and not a penny less.
“The agent will try around €40m, but in the end they’ll meet in the middle at €45m.”
Hysaj’s agent has been vocal on Chelsea’s interest in the defender, claiming numerous top clubs are keen.
“Chelsea in for Hysaj? If you see Napoli are playing Malcuit and looking at other players, clearly it means that there are also enquiries,” he told Radio CRC.
“Those who say otherwise are misinformed.
“Hysaj is a player who can do well in English football, given he’s very physical and being watched by big clubs.
“Is he worth €50m? He’s worth €60m for me.”
Chelsea are back in action on Thursday evening against MOL Vidi in the Europa League.