Why Lazio need Chelsea or Napoli midfielder to strengthen options in January | OneFootball

Lazio are hoping to strengthen their midfield department in the January transfer window following the recent injury to Matias Vecino, and with restrictive parameters in place, the Biancocelesti are likely to look at Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei and Napoli’s Michael Folorunsho specifically, according to the latest updates.

Why Lazio want Casadei or Folorunsho specifically

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Vecino risks missing around two months of action through injury. And, with Gaetano Castrovilli not currently in favour under Marco Baroni, the team are left with just three senior midfielders in Matteo Guendouzi, Nicolo Rovella and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

However, Lazio’s Serie A squad list is currently full, so they will need to either sign an Italian player aged 22 or under, or promote one who came through their own youth system if the club wish to use them in league fixtures.

For that reason, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei is an enticing option in January.

Cesare Casadei of Chelsea passes the ball during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Chelsea FC and KAA Gent at Stamford Bridge on October 03, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The Italy U21 star has been linked with a move to a number of different Serie A clubs as he continues to struggle for minutes under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

There has also been a suggestion that the Biancocelesti could move for Napoli’s Michael Folorunsho. The 26-year-old, who came through the club’s academy system, would not take up an additional slot on Lazio’s Serie A squad list.

There had also been contact between the two clubs over a potential deal over the summer, which never quite materialised.