Cesare Casadei’s move to Chelsea could have an effect on Romelu Lukaku’s future at Inter Milan, according to reports.
The Blues are set to sign the 19-year-old this summer having agreed a fee with Inter for the midfielder; an initial €15 million with add-ons of around €5 million.
He will arrive at the club as part of their succession plan for Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, with both of their contracts at Stamford Bridge set to expire next summer.
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Carney Chukwuemeka is another young, midfield addition to have arrived at Chelsea during the window as they begin their preparations for the long-term future.
Earlier in the summer, Lukaku returned to Inter on loan after only signing for the Blues last year.
He struggled to make an impact during his second stint at the club, and was keen to move back to the San Siro.
Even though the two deals were completely separate, it is thought that Casadei’s move to Stamford Bridge could affect Lukaku’s future at Inter.
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Alfredo Pedulla has reported that the Serie A side could use the fee they have received from Casadei in order to make Lukaku’s move to the club permanent.
Even though he is only on loan for now, they will have the chance to sign him next summer.
Before the draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Thomas Tuchel admitted that he was willing to give Lukaku another chance at Chelsea despite his poor season.
He said: "Yes, I think we should all be honest that it was disappointing, but also for myself, from my term of performance.
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“I am far away from pointing the finger at Romelu, but he is disappointed, I was disappointed.
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"It is on me to find structure, to build an environment, to make a player confident and to bring the very best out of him, that’s why I am here. I’m serving the players, not the other way around. I did not succeed, that does not make me happy.
"I was ready to give it another try, Romelu decided differently and expressed his wish to go back.
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"The owners decided, in the end, to agree to his wish, so we need to find new solutions.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea are said to still be working on a deal for Everton’s Anthony Gordon.
Tuchel’s side have had two bids for the youngster turned down, but the player himself wants to move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea could also offer fringe players to the Toffees in order to try and sign Gordon.
Topics: Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku, Inter Milan
Robert Calcutt