Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their move for Inter Milan midfielder Cesare Casadei, with OGC Nice preparing a bid, according to reports.
The Blues have been linked with the Italian this summer, with the latest reports believing that Thomas Tuchel’s side are lining up a third bid for the youngster.
This comes after Gabriel Slonina, another young star, sealed his move to Chelsea as he joined from Chicago Fire for a fee of £12 million.
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As part of Chelsea’s 2030 vision, they are planning for the future by bringing in young players that can grow into the first team from the youth sides at Chelsea, with Casadei the latest to be targeted.
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are both out of contract next summer, with Chukwuemeka coming in as a midfielder.
With both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho’s contracts expiring next summer, midfield reinforcements could be key for the Blues going into this season as they plan for the future.
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The new owners at Stamford Bridge are keen to invest in the future of the club, ready to bring in young players for hefty fees as was seen with Carney Chukwuemeke, arriving from Aston Villa for £20 million earlier in the window.
Casadei could follow him in, with the pair potentially making up Chelsea’s midfield for years to come if they are successful.
Despite not making a single senior appearance for Inter, Casadei has attracted interest from a host of European clubs, with the Blues handed a blow in their pursuit of him in recent days.
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As initially reported by Fabrizio Romano, OGC Nice are interested in signing the midfielder.
The French side are in discussions with Inter Milan over a deal, Romano continues.
They would look to include a buy-back clause in any sale, which Chelsea would likely not accept.
Reports in France from journalist Santi Aouna added to this information.
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He wrote that Nice are preparing a bid for the Italian on loan with an option to buy at the end of the deal.
The loan would cost €4 million, with a purchase option of €15 million. This is significantly higher than Chelsea’s latest bid of €8 million.
Inter would also look to add a purchase clause of €35-40 million, which would become active if Nice decide to sell the player.
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It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will match the terms that Inter are demanding as they look to beat Nice to the signing of the Italian this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Nice, Inter Milan, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms