In Ethan Ampadu, Chelsea already have already signed a replacement for Cesc Fabregas, that is the claim of Maurizio Sarri, according to reports.
Fabregas tearfully joined Monaco last week and Sarri has called on the top brass of the Blues to sign a midfielder in his stead.
The signing of Matteo Kovacic and Jorginho threw Fabregas down the selection pecking order of Sarri and he decided to call time on his spell with the club.
Several names have been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea as potential replacement for Fabregas including Nicolo Barella and Zenit Saint Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes. The Blues are said to be in talks to sign at least one of the players.
However, Sarri has claimed Ampadu is expected to step up his game.
‘I hope the same for [Ethan] Ampadu,’ Sarri said when responding to question about Callum Hodson-Odoi playing in the BLues’ first team.
‘Of course, playing as a central midfielder in our team is not easy. We need to try and try and try in training, but I think that he is able to do it.
‘In the future maybe [he can play the Jorginho role], but we have to work. ‘The player who plays in that position usually touches about 120, 130 balls [per game], and so I think we need a specialist there.’
Ampadu joined Chelsea from Exeter City in the summer of 2017. He is yet to feature for Chelsea in the Premier League.
Still only 18, he has showed glimpses of quality and he has been tipped to come good.