Lazio will reportedly submit a new bid for Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei imminently, ahead of a potential move this month.
Casadei is set to leave Stamford Bridge this month, having been left out of the Chelsea squad by Enzo Maresca for the last five matches.
The 22-year-old was an unused substitute against Everton and Fulham at the end of 2024, after playing 90 minutes against Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League, but he has not been seen since.
Casadei has not played a single minute of Premier League football this season, with all of his action coming in Europe, or the EFL Cup, but despite making six appearances, he is yet to score or assist.
The Italy Under-21 international was also sent off late on against Heidenheim in the Conference League, leading to a suspension that further restricted his minutes.
© Imago
Lazio set to make formal bid for Casadei
Given Casadei's inactivity at Chelsea, it is no surprise that a number of clubs are said to be lining up to take a chance on the youngster.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Lazio will be one of the clubs to move for the player, who left Italian football when joining the Blues in 2022.
Casadei joined Inter Milan from Cesena in 2018 as a 15-year-old, but only ever played in the 'Primavera' side, before making the move to England.
Lazio are not believed to be the only Serie A club showing interest in bringing Casadei back to Italian football though, with Torino also in the conversation.
Along with a return to Italy, Romano states that moves to Feyenoord or another Premier League club are potential avenues for the young midfielder, but Chelsea are holding firm until their conditions are met.
© Imago
What are Chelsea demanding for Casadei?
Despite paying north of €15m (£12.5m) for Casadei in 2022, Chelsea look set to sell the player for much less this month, in order to recoup a transfer fee, and free up some room in their bloated squad.
Casadei is contracted until 2028, but Sky Italia have reported this week that a bid in the region of €10-12m (£8.5-10m) from Torino would be accepted by Chelsea.
Back in his homeland and in familiar surroundings could be beneficial to Casadei's development as a player, as he has shown so much promise in Italy's youth teams.
Casadei scored seven goals and registered two assists in seven games at the Under-20 World Cup in 2023, but his career has stagnated slightly in England, despite being given opportunities out on loan at Reading and Leicester City.
Andrew Delaney
