EPL Index
·23 January 2025
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·23 January 2025
Lazio have tabled an £11.5 million offer for Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei, as reported by the Daily Mail. The Italian midfielder, signed from Inter Milan in 2023 for £12.6 million, has struggled to secure regular first-team football under Enzo Maresca. With just 17 Chelsea appearances, including five in the Conference League and one in the Carabao Cup this season, Casadei’s future appears uncertain.
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In addition to Lazio’s interest, Torino and Feyenoord are reportedly monitoring the 22-year-old’s situation. Lazio’s offer includes a sell-on clause, suggesting they see significant potential in the player despite his limited impact at Stamford Bridge.
Another player on the brink of departure is Renato Veiga. The versatile defender has made 18 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season, though only one in the Premier League. Veiga’s desire to join Juventus stems from his ambition to enhance his chances of representing Portugal.
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Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell is also attracting attention, with Everton reportedly keen on the England international. Chilwell has been sparsely used, making just one appearance this season in the Carabao Cup against Barrow. Maresca’s comments earlier this month shed light on the situation: “Chilwell is thinking he’s going to leave, it’s better to avoid using him to avoid injury.”
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Chelsea’s handling of these players reflects a pragmatic approach to squad management. By sidelining Casadei and Chilwell, Maresca mitigates injury risks that could derail potential transfers. However, offloading young talents like Casadei and Veiga could raise concerns about the club’s ability to nurture future stars.
For Chelsea supporters, the prospect of Cesare Casadei leaving may evoke mixed feelings. The Italian arrived with high expectations as a promising talent from Inter Milan, but his limited game time underlines Chelsea’s persistent struggle to integrate young players into the first team. Many fans might argue that Casadei deserves more opportunities to prove his worth, especially given the £12.6 million investment made in his acquisition.
Renato Veiga’s potential move to Juventus raises similar questions about Chelsea’s long-term strategy. While Veiga’s appearances this season highlight his utility, letting a versatile player leave could backfire if injuries or suspensions plague the squad later in the campaign. Supporters may wonder if the club’s focus on immediate results is hindering its ability to build a cohesive and sustainable team.
As for Ben Chilwell, his departure would likely feel less contentious. Injuries have limited his impact, and a fresh start might benefit both the player and the club. That said, Everton’s interest signals that Chilwell still holds value in the transfer market.
Chelsea fans will undoubtedly scrutinise these decisions in the coming weeks. While offloading players can strengthen the club’s financial position, ensuring that reinforcements or emerging talents fill the void will be crucial to maintaining competitive momentum.