Chelsea are intensifying their efforts to sign Reda Belahyane from Hellas Verona as the January transfer window enters its final days. Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Premier League club has identified the 20-year-old Moroccan midfielder as their chosen replacement for Cesare Casadei, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this month.
According to the report, Chelsea are “pushing hard” to complete a deal for Belahyane, with the transfer fee estimated to be around €15 million. The Blues are keen to finalize the acquisition as soon as Casadei’s future is resolved, with the Italian midfielder linked to several Serie A clubs, including Lazio and Torino.
Belahyane has impressed in his debut season in Serie A since joining Hellas Verona from Nice last summer for a reported €500,000. The defensive midfielder has made 20 appearances in the Italian top flight this season, showcasing his close control, ability to operate in tight spaces, and tenacity in winning back possession.
Chelsea’s interest in Belahyane comes at a crucial time for the club, as they face a midfield crisis due to injuries to key players like Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez. The potential addition of Belahyane could provide much-needed depth and cover in the middle of the park for Enzo Maresca’s side.
The young Moroccan made his international debut for his country on October 15, 2024, featuring in a match against the Central African Republic in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This experience, combined with his performances in Serie A, has caught the eye of Chelsea’s scouting team.
