CHELSEA have reached a £17million deal to sign Inter Milan ace Cesare Casadei, reports suggest.
The Blues have been keeping tabs on Casadei, 19, throughout the summer transfer window and had two offers rejected by Inter.
According to Sky Sports, the West Londoners finally reached an agreement with the Nerazzurri worth an estimate £12.6m, plus £4.2m in add-ons, for the midfielder.
The highly-rated teenager is expected to leave for England on Wednesday and then undergo a medical the next day.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has plenty of options in midfield and is still chasing Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
Therefore, Casadei may be placed into the development squad or sent back to Serie A on loan.
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The Italy Under-19 international has been with Inter since the age of 15 after joining from Cesena.
The midfielder has since stood out for the Under-19s as he amassed a staggering total of 25 goals and seven assists in 66 appearances with the Primavera side.
The 6ft, 1in ace was recently praised by Italian national team coach Maurizio Viscidi as one to keep an eye on.
Viscidi told Gazzetta dello Sport he was particularly impressed by his attacking qualities in the box, which he rates better than current Italy internationals Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi.
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The young Italian has registered three goals in 12 caps with his country’s Under-19 side.
However, Casadei never managed to make a senior appearance under Simone Inzaghi or Antonio Conte before him.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk