In their efforts to sign Cesare Casadei from Chelsea before the end of January, Lazio is supposedly making great progress. After having fruitful discussions with one of his agents in Rome last week, Alfredo Pedulla claims that the Biancocelesti have made the 22-year-old their top goal to improve the center of the park, displacing Reda Belahyane and Jacopo Fazzini in the hierarchy.
The Italian reporter also denies reports that Torino is leading Casadei, stating that the Granata are still lagging behind Lazio since they haven’t managed to raise their offer. This comes despite calls to the player’s agent from President Urbano Cairo, Technical Director Davide Vagnati, and Manager Paolo Vanoli. According to Pedulla, Chelsea decided to divide their €15 million asking price between a fixed amount of €13 million and €2 million in bonuses, which is a significant milestone in the two clubs’ negotiations. Additionally, a sell-on fee in the Blues’ favor should be included in the agreement.
Lazio edge closer to Casadei agreement with Chelsea
Casadei had already stated earlier this week that he preferred Lazio because he believed they would provide him a greater chance of making the senior Italy squad, according to Sportitalia transfer specialist Alfredo Pedullà. Chelsea signed the Inter academy junior product in the summer of 2022 for €14.86 million plus up to €5 million in add-ons. The Aquile are therefore optimistic that they can finalize the transaction within the next few days and return the Italy U21 starlet to his own country. After establishing himself as one of the most talented players of his generation while playing for Inter’s Primavera, Casadei began his career at Cesena.
Under the direction of Enzo Marseca, the midfielder had a successful loan stay at Leicester City in the first half of the previous season before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2022. But now that Chelsea has so many options, Casadei is merely a passing fancy.