Frustrated Chelsea youngster edges closer to January exit with top clubs interested

Cesare Casadei's spell at Chelsea appears to be drawing to a close, with a January transfer window departure looking certain. Multiple Italian media outlets report the 21-year-old's exit as "inevitable," with Serie A powerhouse AC Milan emerging as the leading contender for his signature. Casadei, who arrived at Chelsea from Inter Milan in 2022, has struggled to cement his place in the first team, attracting attention from several European clubs.

Lack of game time at Chelsea

The young Italian's tenure at Stamford Bridge has been marked by limited opportunities, with just 15 senior appearances to his name. Casadei's Premier League aspirations remain unfulfilled, as he has been excluded from nine out of eleven matchday squads this season. His playing time has primarily been restricted to UEFA Conference League and League Cup fixtures.

Despite earlier considerations of a summer departure, Casadei chose to stay and fight for his position following discussions with head coach Enzo Maresca. In October, he spoke positively about representing Chelsea, describing it as "one of the biggest clubs in the world." However, breaking into a midfield lineup featuring established stars like Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia has proven challenging.

His recent goal for Italy's U21 team in a 2-2 draw against France has kept him in the spotlight, whilst his need for regular first-team action continues to grow.

AC Milan and other clubs emerge as potential destinations

AC Milan leads the race to acquire Casadei's services when the transfer window opens. The Italian giants aim to strengthen their midfield options, with Casadei fitting their recruitment profile. Whilst discussions about the transfer structure - permanent or loan - continue, Italian sources indicate AC Milan's strong interest in bringing the midfielder back to Serie A.

Competition for Casadei's signature extends beyond Italy, with Dutch club Feyenoord actively tracking his situation. Spanish sides Real Betis and Villarreal have also shown interest, creating a multi-team pursuit for the talented midfielder.

Chelsea's January plans and future outlook

The Blues' January transfer activity might see multiple departures, with Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka also potentially leaving after struggling to secure regular spots under Maresca. Chelsea's transfer plans could include moves for Victor Osimhen and Jonathan Tah, suggesting more squad changes ahead.

Casadei's previous loan experiences at Reading and Leicester demonstrated his capabilities when given consistent playing time. His upcoming move, whether to AC Milan or another European club, presents an opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience and advance his career.