Revealed: Chelsea's first January transfer is 'inevitable'

Cameron Smith

Updated: 19 Nov 2024 15:48 CST
4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are set to offload Cesare Casadei during the January transfer window, with the 21-year-old’s departure described as “inevitable” by Italian media.

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Casadei has made just 15 senior appearances for Chelsea since his move from Inter Milan in 2022, while he has been excluded from the Blues’ matchday squad in nine of their 11 Premier League fixtures so far this season.

The Italian midfielder was expected to leave Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, but a move failed to materialise and Casadei opted to remain at Chelsea after talks with head coach Enzo Maresca.

However, Serie A giants AC Milan are now eager to sign Casadei in January, according to Italian outlet Milan Live.

The 21-year-old’s lack of action at Chelsea is set to lead to an “inevitable divorce” in January, as per the report, and Milan are keen to land the midfielder as they search for reinforcements during the mid-season window.

Casadei is also being monitored by Eredivisie side Feyenoord, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, with Milan set to face competition in the race to sign the Italy U21 international.

Interest in the ex-Inter academy star comes after he recently admitted that he decided to remain at Stamford Bridge this summer, rather than push for a transfer away.

“I have always wanted to play for Chelsea,” Casadei told reporters in early October. “We are one of the biggest teams in the world so I could not be more proud to play for Chelsea.

“It was my decision [not to leave on loan this season]. Last season was not very easy for me, so at the start of this season I was thinking about what was the best solution for me.

“From the moment I spoke to the manager, I was 100 percent sure that the decision to stay was best for me to improve and for my career.”

Current ETV

Cesare Casadei

M (C)

Chelsea

Cesare Casadei

M (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€3.8M - €6.4M

Chelsea’s January transfer plans

In addition to Casadei, several other Chelsea stars could leave Stamford Bridge during the January window following a lack of first-team involvement under Maresca.

Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are both expected to leave west London, while Aaron Anselmino could potentially be immediately loaned out upon his arrival from Boca Juniors.

In regards to incomings, Chelsea continue to be linked with a number of top stars, including Victor Osimhen, Liam Delap and Jonathan Tah, although they may be forced to wait until next summer before adding to their senior squad.