Chelsea readying second bid to sign Cesare Casadei with key clause crucial, as Boehly nets big Azpilicueta win

A key contract clause could be the difference maker in Chelsea’s efforts to sign Inter wonderkid Cesare Casadei, while Todd Boehly has emerged the victor after Cesar Azpilicueta penned a new Blues contract, per reports.

Inter midfielder Cesare Casadei, 19, has quickly emerged as one of Italian football’s hottest prospects. He is yet to make his senior Inter debut, though that hasn’t stopped a hefty £20m price tag being placed on his head.

The situation bears resemblance to the Blues’ pursuit of Aston Villa’s Carney Chukwuemeka. Chelsea succeeded on that front earlier today, landing the England Under-18 ace for around £20m.

Per SempreInter, Chelsea have already seen a bid worth just €8m (approx. £6.7m) rejected for Casadei. However, citing the latest edition of Corriere dello Sport, an improved bid is in the works.

They state an upped offer of between £8.4m-£10.1m is expected to be lodged. That would still fall some way short of Inter’s valuation of £20m, which was reaffirmed by the Metro.

In fact, the Metro add further detail to the story when citing a report from the Times. They add one of the barriers to progress on Casadei is Inter’s insistence a buy-back clause be inserted.

Chelsea don’t want such a clause included as they reportedly view the rising star as a ‘key’ part of their future plans if signed.

Chelsea not alone in admiring Cesare Casadei

Serie A side Sassuolo are also in the mix and are reportedly willing to let Inter insert a buy-back clause that would be valid until 2024.

A deal in that regard would ensure Casadai gets regular minutes to develop his game at Sassuolo. Inter could then activate their clause if he has sufficiently developed while away.

Casadei has been ‘extensively scouted’ by Chelsea’s academy chief, Neil Bath. They clearly like what they see, though a deal looks far from straightforward.

Boehly gets Azpilicueta to commit

In rosier news for Blues fans, the Athletic report Barcelona target, Cesar Azpilicueta, has penned a fresh two-year extension at Stamford Bridge.

The versatile defender, 32, was reportedly keen to return to Spain by joining Barcelona. The LaLiga giant were interested, though per the Times, new Blues majority owner, Todd Boehly, had put his foot down with the Chelsea captain.

Indeed, they reported Boehly had informed Azpilicueta Chelsea were extremely reluctant to sanction a sale. And with Barca failing to stump up the cash, the Athletic report a new deal has been signed to bring the saga to a close.

His new contract will reportedly run until 2024. With Azpilicueta now staying, the pressure on Chelsea to add defensive recruits has eased to a degree.

Azpilicueta has always been the consummate professional at Chelsea and that is referenced in the report.

It’s noted that despite the turmoil behind the scenes over the last six months and links with a move away, Azpilicueta has always remained committed and has displayed true leadership.

Azpilicueta might end right-back signing hopes?

The Blues have bid for both Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana. Fofana is a recognised centre-half, while Cucurella played at left-centre-back in a three for Graham Potter late last season.

However, they’ve also been heavily linked with options at right-back, presumably in case Azpilicueta left.

Denzel Dumfries and Kyle Walker-Peters were both on Chelsea’s radar. Yet with Reece James and now Azpilicueta safely tied down, their attention may switch solely to centre-half.