Atalanta reach agreement to sign Chelsea defender

Atalanta have reached an agreement with Chelsea for the permanent signing of Davide Zappacosta.

The Italian had fallen down the pecking order with the Blues, and he spent the previous campaign on loan at Genoa.

With the heavy competition for places, he was unlikely to play under Thomas Tuchel, and has now formally left the club.

The Blues have agreed an undisclosed fee with Atalanta. Zappacosta will sign a four-year contract with the Serie A outfit.

There could be more departures in the coming days with the Blues looking to recoup funds and reduce squad numbers.

Tiemoue Bakayoko is close to rejoining AC Milan on loan. Elsewhere, Ike Ugbo could join Genk for around £5 million.

Kurt Zouma is also available in the transfer market with the Blues keen on landing Jules Kounde from Sevilla to replace him.

Zouma is valued at around £25m. He is attracting interest from West Ham United, but his wage demands remain a concern.