Chelsea have started talks with Napoli over the signing of right-back Elseid Hysaj in January, Calciomercato reports.

The Albanian established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe last season and was instrumental in the Partenopei’s Serie A title tilt.

With out-of-favour Davide Zappacosta set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, Hysaj is viewed as the ideal replacement to fill the right-back berth.

With full-backs at such a premium, the 24-year-old’s €50 million transfer fee represents good value with the West London club ready to activate his fee next month.