Chelsea tried to push Inter into releasing one of their most promising youth players as part of the Romelu Lukaku deal, but the Italians held firm.
Multiple sources are confident the agreement has been reached for the one-season loan at a cost of €8m plus up to €4m in performance-related bonuses.
He will also take a 35 per cent pay cut in order to push through the return to San Siro.
Now Sky Sport Italia insist there was another player involved in the negotiations, as Chelsea tried everything to the last minute in order to at least get an option on Cesare Casadei.
The 19-year-old midfielder is currently participating with Italy in the European Under-19 Championship, where they have qualified for the semi-finals.
Casadei scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 39 competitive games for the Inter youth team this season.
Despite the best efforts of Chelsea negotiators, Inter refused to give up ownership of Casadei or any of their other youth team players.
Fino all’ultimo, nella giornata di ieri, il #Chelsea ha provato a strappare nell’operazione #Lukaku almeno un’opzione su Cesare #Casadei. Ma l’#Inter ha detto no – #SkySport pic.twitter.com/WRDWqI5aDp
— Daniele Mari (@marifcinter) June 22, 2022
16 goals as attacking midfielder. Let’s not repeat what happened with Zaniolo, who is yet to fulfill his potential anyway. Besides Cesadei is coming from Inter’s own primavera through and through, unlike Zaniolo. When Mikhi or Calhanoglu is running out of contract in 2 years time, Cesadei should be given fair chance in the 1st team.
At 19, Inter should give him a chance. He should be promoted to the first team and introduce gradually for us to see what he has got to offer.