Chelsea have completed the signing of Inter midfielder Cesare Casadei.
The 19-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge for an initial fee of €15 million, with a possible bonus payment of €4.8 million.
Chelsea have confirmed that he has signed a new six-year contract, which is in line with the club’s new policy of giving young prospects long-term contracts to secure their future.
In a statement published on Chelsea’s official website, the club said: “The teenage midfielder is considered one of his homeland’s brightest prospects after shining at youth level for club and country, being part of the Italy side which reached the semi-finals of the European Under-19 Championship in the summer.
“Casadei is known as a complete midfielder, combining physicality and strength in the air with great timing in the challenge and excellent technique, as well as intelligent movement when arriving in the penalty area to score goals.”
Although Casadei is yet to make his professional debut, he is regarded as a massive talent in Italy, where he has been touted as the next Frank Lampard – a comparison sure to get Chelsea fans excited given the legend’s history of success with the club.