Chelsea Push to Sign Serie A Midfielder Reda Belahyane Before Deadline

Chelsea are making a determined effort to secure the signature of Hellas Verona midfielder Reda Belahyane in the final stages of the January transfer window. The 20-year-old talent has been identified as a priority target to replace Cesare Casadei, with a €15m deal reportedly in the works.

Reda Belahyane: Chelsea’s Midfield Target

Chelsea are actively pursuing Hellas Verona’s Reda Belahyane, a promising 20-year-old midfielder who has impressed in his debut Serie A season. Since joining Verona from OGC Nice last summer, Belahyane has made 15 starts, showcasing his abilities as a deep-lying playmaker even within a struggling Verona side.

The potential transfer fee for Belahyane is reported to be around €15m (£12.7m). However, Chelsea’s move depends on the departure of Cesare Casadei, who has been linked with Lazio.

Casadei’s Impending Exit

Cesare Casadei, once a promising addition to Chelsea’s squad, has struggled for regular minutes this season. While he featured in the Conference League group stages, his appearances in the Premier League have been minimal, often failing to make the matchday squad. With Lazio expressing interest, his exit appears imminent, paving the way for Chelsea to finalize a deal for Belahyane.

Midfield Challenges at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s midfield has faced significant challenges this season due to injuries and lack of depth. The recent match against Wolves highlighted this issue, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall making his first Premier League start for the club. Both Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia were unavailable due to muscle injuries, leaving manager Enzo Maresca with no senior midfielders on the bench.

The acquisition of Belahyane is seen as a strategic move to bolster Chelsea’s options in the middle of the park while also investing in a young talent with long-term potential.

Other Transfer Rumors

In addition to their pursuit of Belahyane, Chelsea have been linked with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. However, with the transfer deadline looming, securing a deal for Garnacho could prove more complicated.

Share Your Thoughts!

Chelsea fans, do you think Reda Belahyane is the right choice for the midfield? How will Casadei’s potential exit impact the squad? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!