Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea are one step closer to transfer windfall amid 'important clause'

Chelsea could finally get a chance to cash in on one of their unwanted midfielders after weeks of interest and negotiations. Enzo Maresca has not hid from the fact that players who have not been involved regularly are going to want out of Stamford Bridge this month, and he is not going to stand in their way.

Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei are the leading candidates when it comes to departures, with all three having been left frustrated by lack of game time.

In Casadei’s case, the midfielder received loan interest in the summer but ultimately decided to stay after a conversation with Maresca ahead of the season. That decision hasn’t worked out brilliantly for the midfielder who turned 22 on Friday, managing only six appearances across all competitions this season, none of which have come in the Premier League.

Napoli and Torino have been leading the interest this month, with Casadei having previously been with Inter Milan, and there are now claims that a deal could be getting closer despite weeks of failing talks after Chelsea demanded a reported £12.5million.

Fabrizio Romano has tweeted: “Torino are preparing new bid for Cesare Casadei, including an important sell-on clause for Chelsea. Napoli are not willing to match Chelsea conditions as they’re closing in on Billing deal with Bournemouth.”

Chelsea paid £12.4million for Casadei, and they will be hoping to earn that cash back plus avoid any risk of the midfielder becoming a world-beater and wasting their investment. That’s where the sell-on clause comes in, and it is a wise move from the Blues given the midfielder’s age.

Casadei on summer decision

Casadei said after staying in the summer: "I think last season was quite difficult, especially the last six months, because I didn’t play a lot. I was not really happy, because everyone wants game time. But from the moment I spoke to the manager I was 100% sure that the decision to stay was best for me to improve and for my career.

“I didn’t want to go permanently. There were some possible loans. But I have always wanted to play for Chelsea. We are one of the biggest teams in the world so I could not be more proud to play for Chelsea."