Barkley backs out of move but Chelsea sign Drinkwater and Zappacosta

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Ross Barkley backed out of a pre-deadline move to Chelsea, who have completed the signings of Danny Drinkwater and Davide Zappacosta.

Chelsea agreed a fee of around £30m with Everton for England international Barkley, but he suddenly decided against the move.

Barkley’s contract at Everton expires next year and he has refused to sign a new deal at Goodison Park.

The 23-year-old, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has long been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.

But Barkley changed his mind as the champions were preparing to formally complete the transfer.

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However, a £35m deal was agreed for Drinkwater with Leicester.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who played alongside Chelsea star N’Golo Kante for the Foxes, made the move after telling the East Midlands club he wanted to leave.

Italy international Zappacosta, 25, can play at wing-back or full-back. He has signed a four-year contract at the Bridge.

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Zappacosta, signed for an undisclosed fee, said: “It is a dream for me to join Chelsea and play in the Premier League.

“I am very excited to be here and start working with the team. I hope I can show my quality to the coach, my team-mates and the supporters.”