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What’s the story?
Chelsea were close to signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal, having agreed a fee in the region of £40m for the English international, before the 24-year-old had a change of heart and decided against moving to the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Earlier in the day, it was confirmed that Chamberlain had moved to Liverpool having snubbed Chelsea. However, the Blues have been swift to move on from the English international and have agreed a fee in the region of €25m for the services of Torino right-back Davide Zappacosta, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport with only hours left before the end of the transfer window.
In case you didn’t know…
Davide Zappacosta moved to Tornio from Atalanta in the summer of 2015 and has since gone on to make over 50 appearances for the Turin outfit, scoring two goals.
The Italian full-back - who has also made 4 appearances for the Italian national team - has also plied his trade for Avellino and Atalanta before completing his €4m move to Torino.
Chelsea have a paper thin squad following the departure of a number of key players, and the Blues need to recruit heavily to prepare a squad who can help the reigning Premier League champions challenge for top honours once again this season.
The heart of the matter
Antonio Conte has tried to bring in a right wing back during the entire transfer window, to challenge the first-choice option, Victor Moses. Having failed in their pursuit of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the Blues have been quick to move ahead and seal the deal for the Torino defender.
Antonio Conte apparently rates the 25-year-old very highly and is happy to have got the man. It is also being reported that the defender is currently flying to London to complete his medical ahead of putting pen to paper on his contract.
Also Read: Chelsea reportedly agree deal to sign £45 million star
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Author's Take
Antonio Conte likes players who are willing to give their all on the pitch and Zappacost is just that. Not only is the Italian international quick but he is also known for putting in tantalizing crosses into the box.
Apart from being a relentless worker, the 25-year-old is the typical Antonio Conte player and Chelsea have got a gem of a player as we edge closer to the transfer deadline.
