Latest developments
- Lazio are pushing to sign Cesare Casadei from Chelsea.
- Having already made their bid, the Serie A giants want to finalise the transfer today.
- The midfielder has struggled for gametime under Enzo Maresca.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Casadei set for Rome switch
Cesare Casadei is seemingly all set to return to Italy, with Lazio working on striking an agreement with Chelsea and his representatives today.
🚨🦅 Lazio are working to get Cesare Casadei deal done with Chelsea and player side today.
Final proposal in excess of €13m with sell-on clause included.
🔵🤝🏻 Lazio would also discuss 2002 born CB Abakar Sylla (Strasbourg) in separate deal. pic.twitter.com/slrY39sBy9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2025
The story comes from the very reliable Fabrizio Romano, who has been following the development since very early on and now it seems Lazio are close to crossing the finish line.
Value (3.5/5): Chelsea taking a hit
Chelsea signed the Italian midfielder from Inter in a deal worth around £17 million, including add-ons. Now, it is being claimed that Lazio are closing in on signing the 22-year-old for a fee in the region of £10 million.
It's not the best move from the Blues' financial standpoint, but they are set to get a sell-on clause in the event Casadei leaves Lazio in the future.
Suitability (3.5/5): Ball-carrying talent
Known for his dribbling and ability to get into the penalty area from midfield through well-timed runs, Casadei would be a brilliant option for any team looking to quickly progress the ball into the final third.
He was directly involved in five goals across all competitions for the Blues last campaign, and while that doesn't sound like much, it might translate well to the slower pace of Serie A compared to the Premier League.
Upgrade? (4/5): More options in the middle of the park
Marco Baroni is already blessed with talents like Nicolo Rovella or Matteo Guendouzi in Rome, and the arrival of Casadei will further strengthen his options as Lazio look to secure Champions League football for next season.
Logic (4.5/5): Time for more spotlight
The highly-rated ex-Inter Milan talent impressed under Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge last campaign, but Enzo Maresca has pushed him away from his first-team plans in London.
Casadei has yet to play a single minute of Premier League football this term, so it's undoubtedly best for the youngster to depart Chelsea.
Whisper+ verdict: 19.5/25
Links have only strengthened since we analysed Lazio's initial approach early last week, and now it seems the Italian outfit are all set to bring Casadei back to his home country.
