A deal for Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei looks to be close for Leicester City as Enzo Maresca closes in on his sixth signing of the summer transfer window.
City have been linked with an interest in the highly-rated midfielder since the start of the summer, and now look to have their man. Mauricio Pochettino decided to take a look at the 20-year-old during pre-season before making a decision on his short-term future, after he impressed for Italy in the U20 World Cup.
Seven goals in seven games at the tournament saw Casadei win both the golden boot and the player of the tournament award. City are said to have beaten off Serie A interest for the midfielder this summer
Seven goals in seven games at the tournament saw Casadei win both the golden boot and the player of the tournament award. City are said to have beaten off Serie A interest for the midfielder this summe
Amid speculation that a move to City was close, he was not part of the matchday squad for the Blues’ season opener against Liverpool on Sunday. City will be hoping that he’s part of their squad for their next Championship outing vs Cardiff at the King Power Stadium at the weekend
It was reported on Monday night that a deal for Casadei was now ‘close’ , with ‘growing optimism that it will be sorted by Tuesday’. It now seems that is the case
Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday morning that the move will be ‘completed today’. Documents for the transfer are ‘ready’ after a deal with Chelsea was agreed last week.
BBC Sport explained on Monday that a deal to see Casadei join City on loan has been delayed, due to Chelsea pushing through a deal for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo. The Blues were said to be concentrating on that deal, which put Casadei talks with City ‘on hold’
Chelsea officially completed the signing of Caicedo on Monday night, meaning that movement should now be seen in Casadei joining City.
Medical
A medical for the midfielder to join Leicester is said to have taken place on Friday, with Casadei expected to complete his move imminently.
Deal agreed
Despite reports linking Casadei to a move to Serie A, it seems that City won the transfer battle. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that a deal has been agreed between Chelsea and City over a season long loan.
Enzo Maresca was said to be crucial in negotiations, with Chelsea believing the City boss will be key in developing the player this season.
Serie A competition
City were said to have had competition from Serie A sides Genoa and Lazio for the Chelsea midfielder. It was even claimed that the player himself preferred a move to Genoa, while Chelsea preferred him to stay in England with City.
Reports claim that Lazio also made a late move for the midfielder.
Fresh approach made
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said tat City have made a new loan request to Chelsea for the midfielder, with the club waiting on a decision.
On Twitter, the journalist wrote: “Understand Leicester City are insisting to sign Cesare Casadei on loan — new request has been made as Italian coach Enzo Maresca wants Cesare.
“Chelsea original plan has always been for Premier League loan; Maresca can be key factor in this deal. No final decision yet.”
City ‘working on’ deal
Leicester City are ‘working on’ a season long-loan deal for the Italian, according to reports. City were first linked with an interest in the Italian at the end of last month, with the club reportedly requesting a loan deal from Chelsea.
Reports re-emerged last week , with City said to be ‘working on’ a deal for the player after he was identified as a potential replacement for James Maddison. City could though face a stumbling block.
Earlier in the window, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Casadei’s ‘plans’ were to play Premier League or Serie A football next season. It was also said that there have been four loan proposals from Championship clubs.
Chelsea pre-season decision
Despite links with a temporary switch away from Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino has taken the decision to include the midfielder in his pre-season tour squad . The Blues have travelled to the USA for the Premier League Summer Series.
Casadei started in last week’s 5-0 win over Wrexham, but had to settle with coming off the bench in the 4-3 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in the early hours of Sunday morning.
After the win over Wrexham, Pochettino admitted that the midfielder will ‘need time’ to continue his development . Before making a decision on some of his youngsters, Pochettino has opted to take a look at them in pre-season.
“Of course it is early,” he said, via football.london . “The profile is very good, the two names and Carney (Chukwuemeka) also, and of course Casadei and Andrey (Santos). They have the profile. Only they need time. They are young.
“We cannot forget we are in Chelsea, the pressure is always to win. They need to have the place, to have time to evolve but yes the profile is good.”
The Chelsea boss has added an update on Casadei and other Chelsea youngsters ahead of the final game in America against Borussia Dortmund.
“All of the young guys, like Andrey (Santos) or Angelo (Gabriel), also Lesley (Ugochukwu), Casadei, all young guys, we are going to decide when we arrive in London,” he said, via football.london. “No-one we can say is going to be in the squad, but no-one we can say is not going to be in the squad.
“When we finish the tour, we are going to sit, we are already working with the sporting directors, with Paul and Laurence, sharing ideas and we can see how we define the squad. They have the possibility, maybe they go on loan, at the moment, nothing is closed.”
