Chelsea set £15m asking price on U21 star with European clubs keen – report

Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this January and isn’t short on potential suitors.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Serie A clubs are lining up to lure him away from Chelsea, and Lazio are the latest side to show interest in the Italy Under-21 international.

The 21-year-old midfielder was once viewed as a promising prospect at Stamford Bridge 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, with the Italian side 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 multiple reports claim 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.

Aside from Lazio, Torino have also been in contact with Chelsea over a potential move for Casadei, while Juventus have shown an interest.

At the moment, Chelsea’s asking price is too high for the Italian clubs, so it remains to be seen whether the West Londoners will 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 EFL Cup outing.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com