Chelsea preparing second bid to sign Cesare Casadei after Inter green light; transfer cost, key clause both revealed

Chelsea are readying a second bid to sign Inter Milan midfielder Cesare Casadei, though their chances of success could hinge on relenting over a key clause, per reports.

The 19-year-old central midfielder is yet to make his Serie A debut. However, that has not stopped Cesare Casadei from being talked about as one of the hottest prospects Italian football has produced in recent times.

Indeed, Casadei has featured regularly at Italy Under-19 level. By all accounts, Inter are now prepared to cash in on their rising starlet.

Chelsea have reportedly already lodged a bid worth around £6.5m. Gazzetta dello Sport claim a new offer of around £8.5m is being prepped, while Inter are seeking closer to £12.5m.

Inter’s stance is that they will sell Casadei if a suitable offer is tabled. That regards both the value of the bid and the deal’s structure.

The report stated the Nerazzurri ‘intend to let him leave’ if £12.5m is bid. However, they do want a buy-back clause included.

Thus far, Chelsea have shown no willingness to include such a clause, unlike fellow suitors Nice and Sassuolo.

Buy-back clause could be crucial

The report notes Sassuolo have expressed firm interest in Casadei and are willing to let Inter include a buy-back clause.

Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano – who confirmed Chelsea’s interest on August 10 – tweeted Ligue 1 side Nice are also ‘in the race with a possible buy-back clause included’.

He added Inter are yet to reach a decision on who to sell Casadei to. However, that was written before Chelsea’s second bid was formulated.

All eyes in the coming days will be on the size of Chelsea’s second offer, as well as if they relent over the buy-back clause being included.

Why are Chelsea chasing Cesare Casadei

A move for Casadei would share many similarities with their capture of Carney Chukwuemeka.

The Blues snapped up the Villa sensation for around £20m a fortnight ago. Chukwuemeka isn’t likely to make a big impression in the first-team this season, though will safeguard the club’s future long-term.

Casadei would walk a similar path and could spend time in the club’s academy with the Under-23s first if signed.

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea view him as capable of eventually succeeding the likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante in the engine room.