Lazio are in advanced talks with Chelsea over signing Davide Zappacosta on loan in view of a permanent transfer in the summer.
Zappacosta joined Chelsea from Torino for £22m in 2017, but has not started a Premier League game under coach Mauricio Sarri this term.
Lazio are trying to negotiate a deal which will see them pay a loan fee for the right back now before spending £13.5m on his transfer at the end of the season.
Sarri does not see Zappacosta as part of his long-term plans and wants Chelsea to buy Elseid Hysaj from his former club Napoli to be his replacement.
Hysaj has refused to sign a new contract at Napoli, providing hope that he can be lured to Stamford Bridge.
However, Napoli value Hysaj at £45m and president Aurelio de Laurentiis will make it hard for Chelsea to acquire the Albania international because he was upset over the way Sarri left the club last summer.
Chelsea's hierarchy also need some convincing to spend so much on a right back - a position where captain Cesar Azpilicueta plays.
Zappacosta won't be allowed to leave Chelsea until Sarri has brought someone else in first.
