Champions League side eye swoop for Chelsea defender

Chelsea face a major fight on their hands to keep the core of their squad together ahead of the new Premier League season and a defender has now emerged as a target for a European giant.

Football.London, citing reports from TuttoSport, state Inter Milan are targeting a swoop for Chelsea’s Italy international Davide Zappacosta, who only moved to Stamford Bridge last summer.

The 26-year-old is linked with an exit this summer despite only spending a short stint with the Premier League sides, with Inter said to be looking to secure an initial loan deal in order to comply with UEFA’s strict Financial Fair Play regulations.

Zappacosta made 38 appearances under Antonio Conte last season but, with the future of his compatriot remaining up in the air, could be tempted by a return to his homeland.

Having signed for a reported €28million, Chelsea will demand a similar fee if they are to approve a departure in the coming months.