Chelsea are pushing hard to sign at least two midfielders in the summer transfer window to replace several players that look set to depart Stamford Bridge. N'Golo Kante has already left the club to sign for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad and Mateo Kovacic's move to Manchester City has been finalised while Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount could all seal exits.
Of the trio tipped with moves away, Mount is certainly the most interesting one after the Blues rejected Manchester United's third bid for the player on Friday night. That proposal was worth £55 million, with £50m up front and a further £5m available in add-ons, however Chelsea countered with a £58m fee and £7m in add-ons.
The two clubs are now expected to meet in order to reach a compromise with Mount pushing hard for the move. Elsewhere, as football.london understands, there is an expectation that Gallagher will leave Stamford Bridge this summer amid interest from Tottenham. Everton bid for the player in January but don't appear likely to come back in during the current trading period. Newcastle have also shown some interest but are currently prioritising other moves.
As for Loftus-Cheek, a move to AC Milan looked inevitable but the sacking of Paolo Maldini, the man leading negotiations, put a transfer in doubt. The midfielder leaving before the start of the 2023/24 season is still likely and Chelsea could already have his replacement ready in the form of Cesare Casadei who has aspiriations to reach the level of Real Madrid star Federico Valverde.
When asked for the strongest player in his role, the 20-year-old told CalcioMercato: "Valverde from Real Madrid. And Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea, perhaps the one I feel closest to in terms of physical and technical characteristics. I trained with him in the first team at Chelsea, before moving on to Reading."
Casadei starred at the U20 World Cup for Italy as he took home the Golden Boot with seven goals which also helped him win the Golden Ball award. He had to settle for a runners-up medal as Uruguay beat Italy in the final, but it was undoubtedly a valuable experience which may put him in good stead to be part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans for next season.
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Also at the tournament was Andrey Santos who Chelsea signed in January. The 19-year-old is another midfielder likely to be given a chance in pre-season by the Argentine after he was loaned back to Vasco da Gama earlier this year because he was unable to obtain a work permit, but that issue has now been resolved.
The talented duo both having no first-team minutes almost guarantees a senior addition will be made in the middle of the park. Moises Caicedo from Brighton could end up being that man with Chelsea preparing to send their second proposal of the window for the 21-year-old in the coming days, with an offer totalling £80m - £70m up front offer and £10m in add-ons - said to be the fee.
Chelsea already have Enzo Fernandez at the club and therefore the midfield options for the next decade appear sorted if Pochettino can get a move for Caicedo over the line.
