Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan starlet Cesare Casadei after reports that the midfielder favours a move to west London.
The 19-year-old is one of the hottest properties in Italian football despite having yet to make his first-team debut. The talented youngster has shone in the club’s youth teams scoring 15 goals for the Inter Under-19s last term. Chelsea scouts have done their work, with the Blues offering around £6.5 for the schemer.
That was rejected and it was reported on Friday that a new bid is being prepared. It is thought the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are willing to part with £8.5m to get their man.
But that figure might still not be enough, with reports the Nerazzurri are demanding around £12.5m. Whether they get that much only time will tell but Thomas Tuchel seems intent on snaring the wonderkid.
There may be an issue over Inter’s insistence on a buy-back clause while other clubs are also said to be keen. Nice and Sassuolo have expressed an interest but Corriere dello Sport insist Casadei only has eyes for Chelsea.
Inter have a tough decision to make as both the other clubs holding an interest are willing to play ball on the buy-back issue.
But Casadei’s preferred choice of club will also have to be taken into consideration to ensure the best deal for all parties.
Chelsea ready for Casadei gamble
It is unusual to see a top Premier League cub willing to pay upwards of £10m to sign a player with no top-flight experience.
Reports on the youth star’s progress have been favourable and he has proved himself on the international stage.
Having played for Italy’s Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 sides, the playmaker has enjoyed 10 outings for the Under-19s.
He has bagged three goals for the U-19s while finding the net on 24 occasions and registering seven assists for Inter’s youth sides.
It is obvious the former Cesena youth player has an eye for goal. Whether he would be a ready-made fit for the pressure of the Premier League is open to debate, however.
And it may be that Tuchel wants to nurture his talent before unleashing him on the English game in the coming seasons.
The new owners have certainly backed the German tactician in the transfer market this summer. Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina have already arrived.
But there may be enough cash left in the pot to land one target with potential sell-on value. Inter are rumoured to be willing to sell, but only on their terms.
And Chelsea will not want to give Casadei his big break only to then lose him back to Inter.
