Cesare Casadei makes Leicester City & Genoa transfer decision as Chelsea’s preference revealed

Cesare Casadei is closing in a season-long loan move to Championship side Leicester City.

The 20-year-old impressed during pre-season under Mauricio Pochettino in the United States, however Chelsea‘s likely plan was to send him on loan to continue his development following his spell at Reading at the end of last season.

Pochettino confirmed during the tour that a decision would be made upon their return to London, admitting: “When we finish the tour, we are going to sit, we are already working with the sporting directors, with Paul and Laurence, sharing ideas and we can see how we define the squad.

“They have the possibility, maybe they go on loan. At the moment, nothing is closed.”

Leicester City expressed interest in the young Italian, with newly-appointed coach Enzo Maresca leading the pursuit. Chelsea’s preference was for Casadei to stay in England.

However, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Genoa were showing interest in the midfielder and Casadei was willing to head back to Italy on a temporary basis.

But Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Foxes have won the race for Casadei and he is set to join the Championship club for the 2023/24 season, which saw Leicester win their opening game 2-1 against Coventry City.

A deal is now in place for Casadei to move to the King Power Stadium and, if everything goes according to plan, he will undergo a medical this week.

Chelsea are likely to keep fellow youngster Andrey Santos at the club following a brilliant pre-season with the Blues.

Pochettino’s side are trying to sign Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Leeds United star Tyler Adams as they look to bolster their midfield before the end of the summer transfer window.