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Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte’s Napoli have entered the race for a £17m midfielder linked with a move away.
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Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei is reportedly subject to new interest from former Blues boss Antonio Conte and Napoli, who have overtaken fellow Serie A side Torino in the race for the 21-year-old.
Torino reportedly offered an initial bid to Chelsea for the Italian midfielder at the start of the transfer window with a buy-back option that the Blues are demanding. However, the two sides have reportedly hit a stalemate due to Chelsea wanting around £17m for Casadei, whereas Torino haven’t considered going above the £12m mark so far.
The former Reading midfielder is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season, but has made five appearances in the Europa Conference League and one appearance in the Carabao Cup. It was initially believed that Casadei was set for a loan move away in January, however, recent reports have suggested that Torino now face competition from Napoli to sign the Italian on a permanent transfer.
According to Sky Sports Italy reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli have accelerated their interest in the 21-year-old, and have now overtaken Torino in the race for Casadei. Former, Chelsea and Spurs manager Conte is set to make a move for the midfielder with his assistant Cristian Stellini, who reportedly “really appreciates Casadei’s qualities”.
Seeing as there is said to be a stalemate between Chelsea and Torino, Napoli could come in and hijack any deal between the two clubs with an offer that is closer to Chelsea’s demand of £17m.
Casadei’s lack of opportunity this season has come as a surprise due to the fact that he spent last season with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca on loan at Leicester City in the Championship. He made 22 appearances in the second tier, scoring twice for the Foxes.
Chelsea could sell midfield pair to Premier League rivals
Casadei isn’t the only Chelsea midfielder who has been linked with a move away this month, as both Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka could be on their away out too.
Recent reports say that they are both on West Ham United’s radar. However, questions surrounding a change of manager could impact the Hammers’ transfer strategy. Both midfielders would likely prove to be short-term acquisitions for West Ham, as it is unlikely that the Blues would be keen on selling either player permanently.
Chelsea linked with ‘blockbuster’ deal for Manchester United star
As reports suggest that the Blues could sell several midfielders, they have been linked to signing one too. United, and England star Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly at a stalemate in negotiations over a new contract at Old Trafford, with his current deal set to expire in June 2027.
Chelsea are reportedly ‘leading the race’ for Mainoo who could leave either in January or the summer, should he fail to agree a new contract with United, who could make a hefty profit on the former academy graduate. The 19-year-old has been a mainstay in United’s starting XI this season when he’s been fit, making 16 appearances for the Red Devils.