Ethan Ampadu has helped Thomas Tuchel solve his future at Chelsea ahead of the upcoming transfer window. The 21-year-old guided Wales to the country's first World Cup since 1958 and, with the utility man set to return to Stamford Bridge from loan this summer, he's already expressed his desire for regular game time next season.
The Welshman, who sees his contract with the west Londoners expire in 2024, featured 30 times for Venezia in the Serie A this campaign. Despite his impressive displays, the Italian side finished bottom of the table, though Ampadu did showcase an array of talent which could be of use to Chelsea.
Tuchel is currently subject to an exodus of defensive talent; Antonio Rudiger's move to Real Madrid has already been confirmed, and Andreas Christensen is also set to leave once his deal with the Blues expires in the coming weeks. football.london understand Jules Kounde is the west London club's priority following the takeover.
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The Welshman operated across five different positions for Venezia this season, and his versatility could be of use. However, first-team opportunities remain at the forefront of the Ampadu's concerns - even more so with a chance to represent his country at the World Cup in the winter.
In an exclusive interview with football.london, he was posed a question regarding the next step in his career with regard to game-time. Ampadu replied: "As a footballer, you want to play in every game, and as a kid, I loved playing every game. It does help on big occasions [playing week in and week out], but week by week, you want to play football. No one likes to sit and watch it."
So, with the World Cup on the horizon, Ampadu has already outlined the criteria that he demands from Chelsea next season should Tuchel look to keep hold of the defender. Else, of course, the Welshman could surrender his place in Rob Page's side.
Though, regardless of the £6million-rated defender's future at the Blues, the Chelsea boss is eager to undergo a rebuild. Speaking to football.london, Tuchel said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging, but we are up for the challenge.
"I don't know where we are from day one. What I can promise is that I will be here – if I can promise that – I will be here with full energy and positive energy no matter what. We will still work for Chelsea, and I refuse to think of negative scenarios. We will be competitive, on which level we will see."
