CHELSEA have reportedly been knocked back in their approach forCesare Casadei after Inter Milan rejected their £6.7million opening offer.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move away from the San Siro this summer after earning rave reviews in academy matches.
Casadei enjoyed a superb 2021-22 season for Inter's second team, where he chipped in with 17 goals and five assists in 40 games in all competitions.
Not only was he the club's top scorer, but he was also named as their best youngster.
And according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea have failed with a £6.7m offer for the Italy U-19 youth international.
They state that Inter would rather the player depart on loan, with Sassuolo and Torino keen to agree a temporary deal.
But Chelsea aren't giving up on their pursuit of the teenager, with La Repubblica insisting they are preparing a new offer.
Though it has been said that Inter will refuse to part ways with Casadei unless they receive a fee in the region of £17m.
They also declare that they face competition from London rivals Arsenal in the race to secure his services.
It has been claimed that the Gunners have made an enquiry for the youngster.
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But it is believed that it is Chelsea that are leading the race to sign him should he depart Inter on a permanent transfer.
It also remains to be seen as to whether Inter would want to include a buy-back option in any deal.
Casadei isn't the only midfielder on Chelsea's radar, with the West Londoners poised to make an offer for Barcelona's Frenkie De Jong.
A move to Chelsea was touted last earlier this month after new owner Todd Boehly met with Blaugrana president Joan Laporta.
And now according to Sport, they are set to turn their interest into a formal offer.
They state that the Blues have informed Barcelona that they intend to make a bid to secure De Jong's services imminently.
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