Having rejected Chelsea’s premier bid for star talent Cesare Casadei, Inter have failed to turn down the Blues’ follow-up advances. According to Sky Italia, both clubs have come to an agreement to settle for double the price that was initially offered. A six-year deal worth €15M plus €5M in add-ons and bonuses has been struck between the two parties.
The London giants had enquired about Casadei when negotiations were taking place between the two clubs for Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is understood to an admirer of the central midfielder. 19-year-old Casadei will undergo his medicals on Thursday in London ahead of the move from the Nerazzurri to Chelsea.
Cesare Casadei has agreed personal terms with Chelsea on six year deal. Decision made, he’s not joining Nice or Sassuolo as Chelsea are closing on deal to sign Inter’s 2003 born talent ??? #CFC
Next official bid will be the right one to complete the deal for €15m plus add-ons.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2022
It was understood earlier that Inter will allow Casadei to leave only if a buy-back clause is included in the deal, but so far there have been no indications of that in the Chelsea contract, which is yet to be drawn up.
French outfit OGC Nice and Serie A feeder club Sassuolo have also expressed interest in luring the teenage talent, with both content to include the clause demanded by Inter. However, it is Chelsea who have won the race for his signature.
Our Take on Casadei to Chelsea
Staying put in Italy – with Sassuolo as the destination – would definitely have accelerated Casadei’s development with more playing minutes. Direct Premier League experience at such young age could turn out to be a surprise, but none can predict what’s in store for Casadei going forward. It remains to be seen if Tuchel opts to give him first team minutes, use him in the development squad or send him out on loan.