Chelsea have announced that they have completed the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Cesare Casadei.
While the Blues have already enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, speculation persists that Thomas Tuchel is still eager to make significant additions to his squad.
Priority is being given to finding a new centre-back and centre-forward, a consequence of four departures in those positions since the end of last season.
However, it has been claimed in recent weeks that the Premier League giants have been eager to secure the signature of Casadei, who is without a senior appearance for Inter.
Welcome to Chelsea, Cesare Casadei! 🇮🇹
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 19, 2022
Despite that, the 19-year-old is regarded as one of the top midfield prospects in world football, and Chelsea have now revealed that they have won the race for his signature.
The West Londoners say that the Italy Under-19 international has agreed to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Although a fee has not been disclosed, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the deal is worth €15m (£12.7m) with a further €5m (£4.25m) coming in add-ons.
Speaking to the club's official website, head of development Neil Bath said: "Cesare is a player we have tracked for some time and we are delighted that he has now agreed to join Chelsea, where he will initially strengthen our Under-21s squad.
© Reuters
"He is another exciting emerging talent who we are looking forward to seeing develop and progress further as he breaks into senior football in the coming years."
Bath's revelation about Casadei starting in the Under-21 squad appears to suggest that the midfielder will not be loaned out for the 2022-23 campaign.
Chelsea are already well stocked for midfielders with Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek regarded as the senior options.
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong also remains a possibility before the end of the transfer window, Chelsea's alleged bid being aided by Manchester United closing in on a big-money deal for Casemiro from Real Madrid.
Darren Plant
