Boost for Lazio as Chelsea line-up Napoli star as Zappacosta replacement

10 gen 2019

In recent weeks, Lazio have accelerated a move to bring in Chelsea's right-sided defender Davide Zappacosta to the Italian capital. Lazio are facing somewhat of a crisis due to their lack of a solid, consistent right wing-back - with Adam Marusic facing suspension and inconsistency, Dusan Basta probably nearing an end of his time at the club and Patric never really living up to expectations after he signed from Barcelona.

Zappacosta is seen as not a part of Maurizio Sarri's plans and therefore the West London club have allowed him to go on loan to Lazio; with the Biancocelesti paying his wage (of over €2m euros) for the rest of the season. The negotations have proceeded slowly but things may start to pick up pace as Chelsea seek a replacement.

According to what has been reported by the British media, Chelsea are interested in signing Napoli's Elseid Hysaj to replace Zappacosta - a player who not only the club have had their eye on for some time, but a player with whom Sarri has a fantastic pre-existing relationship that can help induct more and more of the Italian head coach's style into the Chelsea team.

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