Fabrizio Romano issues 'don't underestimate' Chelsea transfer verdict as Serie A club stay in race
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Chelsea as they prepare to face Ipswich Town.
Chelsea are now putting the final touches on their preparations for Monday night’s clash with Ipswich Town. The Blues haven’t won either of their first two festive fixtures, and they will be looking to correct that against a Tractor Boys side that has struggled in the top flight, currently inside the bottom three.
The Blues will want to snap out of their dip in form quickly, and they have the opportunity to do just that at Portman Road. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.
Delap verdict
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, a player Enzo Maresca has already admitted he is a big fan off. Issuing his verdict on the links, transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel: “We should not underestimate what Enzo Maresca said about Liam Delap, the striker of Ipswich Town. Delap is a former Manchester City player; he used to work with Enzo Maresca. He knows Enzo Maresca well, so the feeling is very positive and Enzo Maresca speaking in public said how good Delap is in his opinion.
“Very good words about the player, saying he’s a fantastic guy, working hard on and off the ball, so he’s a modern striker in the idea of Enzo Maresca. Still very young so considered a very good player internally at Chelsea. Now, for the January transfer window, it looks unlikely to find a solution for Delap to leave Ipswich Town.”
Casadei latest
Lazio remain interested in Chelsea outcast Cesare Casadei, according to report in Italy. The Serie A side are said to be closing in on the signing of midfielder Jacopo Fazzini from Empoli, but they are still interested in Casadei, according to the report.
Casadei has been heavily linked with a move to Italy, likely on loan, after he decided to stay and fight for his place this season rather than leaving on loan in the summer, but he has been resorted to almost exclusively Conference League outings. A loan move in January is very likely, and Lazio’s interest is unwavering despite a midfield signing, The Liazali report claims.