Hamburg plan another Chelsea raid

Hamburg have raided Chelsea's youth set-up for a second time in three days and are planning a third as sporting director Frank Arnesen continues to capitalise on his connections at his former club.

Arnesen, who last month defected from Stamford Bridge to the German club, today sealed the signing of Italy under-19 international Jacopo Sala.

Having masterminded the purchase of Michael Mancienne earlier this week, the Dane also confirmed he will hold talks with fellow defender Jeffrey Bruma with a view to bringing him to the Bundesliga, reportedly on a two-year loan deal.

Sala, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder, joined the Chelsea academy from Atalanta when he was 15 and helped them win the 2010 FA Youth Cup.

He appeared for the reserve team last season, but struggled with injuries.

Sala has signed a three-year contract with Hamburg after passing a medical.

"Jacopo is a player with a future," Arsenen told the club's official website.

"He has played for all the Italy youth teams and has excellent technical and physical attributes."

Sala said: "It is a big chance for me to be able to play at Hamburg. I would like to continue my development as quickly as possible and to appear for Hamburg in the Bundesliga.

"That would be fantastic, because this big club is something special. Regardless of whether I was in Italy or England - Hamburg are known everywhere."

The Italian could soon be joined in northern Germany by fellow teenager Bruma.

"Jeffrey Bruma is on duty with Holland," Arnesen said.

"Afterwards, we will meet and talk about it. We will look each other straight in the eye. We will decide what is best for Jeffrey Bruma and Hamburg."

Like England Under-21 star Mancienne, the 19-year-old Bruma has found first-team football hard to come by at Chelsea.

He made his full Barclays Premier League debut in January before being allowed to join Leicester on loan.

He has already been capped by Holland, who play Brazil in a friendly tomorrow.