Gianfranco Zola is flying into London on Wednesday as Chelsea consider making him part of a new management team under Maurizio Sarri.

Sarri agreed personal terms with Chelsea last month, but the club have yet to finalise compensation with Napoli or end Antonio Conte’s contract at Stamford Bridge.

Zola, who played for Chelsea between 1996-2003, is being earmarked as a No2 to help Sarri settle. Standard Sport understands that Zola has been working in South Africa as a TV pundit during the World Cup but it is believed he has cut this short and could be back in London this week. Reports suggest Sarri could be appointed .

Chelsea are set to pay a release fee of £4.3m to Napoli. Relations with Conte are strained and it is believed some high-profile players will demand to leave should Conte stay.

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Meanwhile, Sarri’s arrival will ensure Chelsea compete with Juventus for Russia and CSKA Moscow star Aleksandr Golovin. Sarri is a long-time admirer of the central midfielder.