Frank Lampard confirmed this morning that Ethan Ampadu is set to sent out on loan for the 2019/20 season.
The 18-year-old struggled for much game time under Maurizio Sarri in the previous campaign and also suffered with a back issue.
While the young Wales international impressed in his 45 minutes against Bohemians in the first pre-season friendly, Ampadu was not named in the touring squad for Japan this week.
"Ethan is not here as we're looking at the possibility of him going on loan for the season," said Lampard.
"I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year, so I'm a big fan, but with the minutes he played last year, I have to think of the bigger picture and the interests of Ethan and of Chelsea.
"The idea that he could play a lot of games somewhere is good for him and we haven't brought him here while that is up in the air."
So where are the best options for him to head to on loan?
Aston Villa
If Ampadu is going to get Premier League football, then going to a club like Aston Villa is one of the best options, and the Villains are keen on him as well.
With John Terry as their assistant manager, you know that the Midlands club would also look after him and he would get some playing time.
The one risk is whether or not Dean Smith is keen to trust a youngster in what could a challenging campaign for them when they will be fighting for Premier League survival when next May comes around.
Derby County
Chelsea have got a lot to thank Derby County for when it comes to securing Lampard, Jody Morris and Chris Jones this summer as their new coaching staff.
The Rams were made to wait for some time before Chelsea finally wrapped up the deal for their manager. but there is a good reason for that as owner Mel Morris was looking to keep the relationship strong between the clubs.
Derby had successful loans with Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori, with Lampard having wanting Ampadu last season at Pride Park.
It is one of the most likely destinations for Ampadu to head to and Derby would be the front runners for the young Welshman.
Reading
Another club who Chelsea have loaned to in the past is Reading, with both Lewis Baker and Matt Miazga having been there on loan last season.
The Royals are keen on Ampadu to make him another youngster to head to the Madjeski Stadium, looking to add to their quality ahead of the Championship campagn.
Ampadu could certainly fit in at Championship level, with decent ability on the ball and also not being afraid to put his foot into a challenge when needed.
Swansea City
Tammy Abraham had a pretty unsucessful spell with Swansea City, however it wasn't because the England international wasn't given the game time.
Swansea struggled with creativity during Abraham's time in Wales, but it could be a great chance for him to get some game time in a country that have really take to him.
His performances for Ryan Giggs's Wales have really gone down well and so he could become a fans' favourite at the Liberty Stadium if he does make that switch.
Borussia Monchengladbach
Another thing that could really benefit Ampadu is the chance to go away on loan abroad to learn a different style of football.
Andreas Christensen had a very successful time with Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga, while other youngsters have also developed well with time in Germany.
Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal have done well there and Ampadu could develop further from being abroad.
