Gianfranco Zola drops update on Chelsea's pursuit of Sarri

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has admitted that talks are ongoing behind the scenes with the Blues keen on recruiting the services of Maurizio Sarri.

Sarri was dismissed from the head coach from Napoli at the end of last season but the Serie A club have since been reluctant to release him from his existing contract unless they receive a compensation package.

As such, the Blues are still with Antonio Conte with their pre-season scheduled in two weeks' time but Zola is hopeful that an agreement can be reached between the sides.

"There's so much talk. There are many teams who would like a coach like Sarri. I think the parties are working on it, but I don't know anything more," he told Sky Italia.

"If Sarri were to go to Chelsea I hope he's allowed to work as he wants, because that's how he can improve teams. I hope Maurizio will get the chance to do top work."

Zola has already been summoned by Sarri to take up a potential backroom role at Stamford Bridge but everything depends on whether the Blues can reach an agreement with Napoli in terms of a severance fee.

Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea may have to cough up a sum of around £4.5m for Sarri but Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has yet to confirm any approach for the Blues.