Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in January and isn’t short on potential suitors.
According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Serie A clubs are lining up to lure him away from Chelsea, and Lazio are the latest to show interest in the Italy Under-21 international.
The 21-year-old midfielder was once viewed as a promising prospect at Chelsea but has hardly been given a chance to prove himself, paving the way for a potential mid-season exit.
Lazio are reportedly monitoring his situation and are seriously considering an initial loan move with an option for a permanent transfer next summer.
Lazio aren’t the only club interested in securing Casadei’s services, but they’re at the front of the queue, although they’ll need to stump up the cash to get a deal over the line.
Chelsea agreed a deal worth an initial £12.4 million (€15m) plus £4.1m (€5m) in add-ons to lure Casadei away from Inter Milan in 2022.
With the midfielder poised for a premature exit, the Premier League giants are looking to secure a significant return on their investment and have slapped a £15m asking price on the Italian talent.
Torino have also been in contact with Chelsea about a potential move for Casadei, while Juventus have shown interest.
Chelsea’s asking price is too high for the Italian clubs, but they may shift their stance as the window wears on.
Casadei has been on two loan spells since joining Chelsea, but his most recent stint with Enzo Maresca’s Leicester City was the most productive.
An injury crisis forced the Blues to recall him to Stamford Bridge, but it didn’t go as planned, and not even a reunion with Maresca helped improve his fortunes.
Casadei has yet to feature in the Premier League this season, with most of his game time coming in the Europa Conference League and a solitary League Cup outing.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
