Chelsea confirm Casadei deal and reveal plan for Italy starlet

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Italy starlet Cesare Casadei, revealing that the 19-year-old ‘will initially strengthen our Under-21s squad.’

The Italian midfielder has joined the Blues on a permanent €15m deal from Inter plus €5m add-ons.

Casadei’s first picture as a new Chelsea player had been leaked online this morning, hours before Chelsea’s official announcement.

The Blues have now confirmed the signing of the 19-year-old, revealing that the product of Inter’s academy has signed a six-year deal in London.

“The teenage midfielder is considered one of his homeland’s brightest prospects after shining at youth level for club and country, being part of the Italy side which reached the semi-finals of the European Under-19 Championship in the summer,” Chelsea said in an official statement.

“Casadei is known as a complete midfielder, combining physicality and strength in the air with great timing in the challenge and excellent technique, as well as intelligent movement when arriving in the penalty area to score goals.”

Click here for Casadei’s player profile

Chelsea’s Head of Youth development Neil Bath has explained the club’s plans for the development of the Italy starlet.

“Cesare is a player we have tracked for some time and we are delighted that he has now agreed to join Chelsea, where he will initially strengthen our Under-21s squad,” he said.

“He is another exciting emerging talent who we are looking forward to seeing develop and progress further as he breaks into senior football in the coming years.”

Casadei won the Primavera title with Inter last season, scoring in the play-off Final against Roma. The 19-year-old scored 25 goals in 66 Campionato Primavera appearances at Inter and has 12 Italy U19 caps to his name.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel spoke about the deal at a press conference today, saying that the Blues ‘will give time’ to the Italy starlet.