Yahoo Sports Lazio Director Confirms Talks With Chelsea Midfielder, but an Issue Persists
Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani admits the club is currently having talks with the entourage of Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei.
The Background
The Biancocelesti have been pursuing a new midfielder since the start of January, and have recently pinpointed the 22-year-old Italian as their preferred target for the role. In recent days, the management has made important steps, with some reports claiming an agreement with the Premier League giants has already been found on the basis of €12 million plus %25 sell-on fee.
Lazio Confirm Cesare Casadei Talks
Moreover, Fabiani, who is often coy when discussing the club’s potential acquisition, confirmed Lazio are trying to reach a full agreement with Casadei and Chelsea. The 63-year-old made these comments during his post-match press conference following his club’s disappointing defeat to Fiorentina (via gianlucadimarzio.com).
We are making assessments. We are also talking to Casadei’s entourage and tomorrow we will see what comes out of it.
The Hurdle
So after weeks of negotiations, the Aquile supporters are left to wonder what’s still holding up the operation. According to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo), the final agreement is being hampered by the same old issue related to payment methods, instalment plans and Lazio’s ‘liquidity index’.
Claudio Lotito Still Hesitant
The Italian newspaper also believes that club president Claudio Lotito is reluctant to add more financial burdens to the club’s books before securing Champions League qualification, as Lazio will have to splash €30 million in the summer to purchase some of their current players who are on loan, the likes of Nicolo Rovella, Luca Pellegrini and Nuno Tavares.
Lazio Missed out on Renato Veiga
On another note, Fabiani confirmed Lazio tried to sign Renato Veiga from Chelsea, but the latter ended up joining Juventus, while revealing the possibility of ending the January session with the current squad.
We had identified Veiga as a target but then he decided to go somewhere else. I’m not interested in doing a sensational transfer market to fool people. We want players to insert into this squad that is already strong. Even if no one is taken, and in any case, I feel like ruling it out, this team would be equipped to go all the way.
