Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Inter Milan midfielder Cesare Casadei over a six-year deal, according to reports.
The Italian looks set to become a Blues player this summer, with Chelsea already seeing two bids rejected for the 19-year-old.
The most recent reports believed that Thomas Tuchel’s side were pushing to complete a deal by the end of this week.
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However, there was competition from Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, who were happy to include a buy-back clause in any deal with Inter, handing them the advantage.
Despite this, it appears that the Blues could still be leading the race and sign the Italian to add to their youth intake this summer, already signing the likes of Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire and Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa.
Furthermore, Tuchel’s side have seen a bid for Everton’s Anthony Gordon rejected this weekend as they plan for the future.
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The likes of Wesley Fofana and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are also on Chelsea’s transfer radar this summer ahead of the end of the transfer window.
It is unclear as to whether Chelsea will be successful in their pursuit for any further first team additions, but it appears that they could be closing in on a move for Casadei now.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that personal terms have been agreed with the Italian, who is closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.
He revealed: “Cesare Casadei has agreed personal terms with Chelsea on a six year deal. Decision made, he’s not joining Nice or Sassuolo as Chelsea are closing on a deal to sign Inter’s 2003 born talent.
“Next official bid will be the right one to complete the deal for €15 million plus add-ons.”
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It remains to be seen as to whether the Blues will hand Casadei first team minutes this season, use him in the development squad or send him on loan.
N’Golo Kante was withdrawn from Chelsea’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur with a hamstring injury and is set to undergo a scan on Tuesday to assess the extent of the injury, perhaps opening up a space in the Blues’ midfield.
However, with links to Frenkie de Jong and the likes of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all fighting for a place in the middle of the park, Casadei may struggle for first team football once he arrives this summer.
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It remains to be seen as to when a deal with Inter will be agreed, with this looking to be the only thing standing in the way of a summer arrival.
Once Casadei comes through the door, Chelsea will no doubt continue to pursue both attacking and defensive options.
However, they have so far been unsuccessful in their pursuit of Leicester's Fofana despite strong reports.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Inter Milan, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms