Chelsea are reportedly prepared to receive a fresh bid from Torino for midfielder Cesare Casadei.
The 21-year-old is said to be one of nine players who could be offloaded from the Stamford Bridge club this month in order to fund a move for Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi.
Casadei has failed to make the cut for Enzo Maresca's men in the Premier League this season, with the midfielder limited to minutes across the Conference League and EFL Cup.
The Italian's most recent appearance in a matchday squad arrived on Boxing Day, when he was forced to settle for a watching brief as Chelsea lost 2-1 at home to West London rivals Fulham.
Since moving from Inter Milan to Stamford Bridge during the summer of 2022, Casadei has managed just 17 first-team appearances for the Blues.
© Imago
Chelsea to receive fresh bid for fringe player Casadei?
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea might have taken another step in their mission to offload Casadei during the January transfer window.
The report claims that Torino of Italy are keen on securing the services of the midfielder, who could be in line for a return to his homeland after just 30 months in England.
It is understood that the Serie A outfit are preparing a new bid for Casadei, who has struggled massively for first-team opportunities in West London this term.
The offer will supposedly contain an important sell-on clause in the favour of Chelsea, who will profit from the sale of the player in the future.
Italian giants Napoli have also been linked with a swoop for Casadei, however they are now said to be focusing their attentions on signing Bournemouth enforcer Philip Billing.
© Imago
No favouritism from Maresca
A former midfielder and a fellow Italian, Maresca might have been inclined to hand Casadei a dose of favouritism over the past 18 months, however reality has been the complete opposite.
Both were plying their trade at Leicester City last term, with Foxes boss Maresca preferring the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks in the engine room.
As a result, it is no surprise that Casadei has failed to make the top-flight grade for his head coach at Chelsea during 2024-25, with Conference League minutes offering crumbs of comfort.
At the age of 21, the Italy Under-21 international has room to develop into a capable Premier League player, although it appears that the Blues are ready to part ways.
Carter White
