The 21-year-old spent the previous campaign in the Italian top flight, on loan with newly-promoted Venezia, where he made 29 league appearances, predominantly in the centre of midfield.

The highlight of his time in Venice arrived when he set up a dramatic winning goal as the Lagunari came from behind to beat Roma 3-2 at home, but he was not able to help Venezia retain their Serie A status.

The versatile Welsh international was an unused substitute for our Premier League matches against Leeds United and Leicester City this season and has made 12 senior appearances for Chelsea since signing from Exeter City in July 2017.

He became our eighth-youngest player when he made his debut in a big Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest two months after joining the Blues.

Ampadu is Spezia’s latest signing in a busy transfer window as they look to build on last season’s 16th-place finish in what was only the second top-flight campaign in their history. They currently sit 13th in the table after picking up four points from their opening four games.