Chelsea line up signing of Italy defender Zappacosta

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Chelsea appear to be close to signing Torino full-back Davide Zappacosta.

A deal has been agreed for the Italy international, 25, to move to Stamford Bridge ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

Chelsea moved for him after being told that Bayern Munich’s Rafinha is not for sale.

Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to bring in a right-sided player and Chelsea have been considering a number of possible options after missing out on Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, who joined Liverpool from Arsenal after rejecting a move to Stamford Bridge.

Rafinha, 31, has made more than 200 appearances for Bayern and they appear to be unwilling to let him go despite the fact he is not currently a first-team regular.

Meanwhile, Chelsea remain in talks with Leicester over a possible deal to sign midfielder Danny Drinkwater.