Napoli eye Chelsea star amid talks over permanent Romelu Lukaku transfer: Reports
Napoli are reportedly interested in Chelsea youngster Cesare Casadei as they continue talks to sign Romelu Lukaku on a permanent deal. The Italian midfielder was on loan at Leicester City until January last season.
CaughtOffside reports that Gli Azzurri are big fans of Casadei and view him as a potential Piotr Zielinski replacement. The Polish midfielder has left Naples and joined fellow Serie A giants Inter Milan.
Casadei, 21, has yet to be given an opportunity in Chelsea's first team since arriving at Stamford Bridge in August 2022. He's made 11 appearances for the Blues' senior team since his arrival.
The former Inter academy graduate may struggle to displace the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in Enzo Maresca's starting XI. That's despite playing under the Argentine coach at Leicester last season.
Casadei made 25 appearances across competitions under Maresca, posting three goals and two assists. He helped the Foxes win the EFL Championship despite his loan stopping in January.
It comes amid talks between Chelsea and Napoli over Lukaku, with who the latter's new manager, Antonio Conte, wants a reunion. The two clubs are in ongoing talks regarding a potential transfer, with the Serie A side looking to spend less than £45 million on a new striker.
However, it's claimed that the Italian outfit could look to use Victor Osimhen in a deal to sign Lukaku. The Nigerian frontman could join the Premier League giants on loan with an obligation to buy.
Fiorentina are also reportedly interested in Chelsea's Cesare Casadei
Casadei's future at Chelsea is looking increasingly doubtful as he's reportedly received interest from four clubs. One of those is Fiorentina, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming they have contacted his current club over a deal.
The nine-cap Italy U21 international has four years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge. He was eyeing playing his way into the first team when speaking in May:
"I’m really happy in England. Playing as a starter in the Championship has allowed me to experience the football of the greats. Now I’m going back to Chelsea to play my chances."
Cesadai may have felt his chances of more game time would improve with Maresca replacing Mauricio Pochettino. He was a key player for the Italian tactician at the King Power, but it appears he has other options.
The Blues have signed Cesadai's former Leicester teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for a reported £30 million. He could become a starter alongside Fernandez and Caicedo, with Conor Gallagher linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.