Lazio Target Casadei As An Alternative If Folorunsho Deal Falls Through

Lazio are reportedly still aiming to sign Michael Folorunsho from Napoli but are also considering Chelsea's Cesare Casadei as a backup option if their primary target isn't secured.

The club are focused on bringing in a new striker, with Boulaye Dia as their top choice, before adding a midfielder to their squad. According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Lazio are keen to re-acquire Michael Folorunsho, whom they released on a free transfer in 2017.

The 26-year-old midfielder recently signed a new contract with Napoli after returning to the club earlier this summer. He was set to leave Napoli and was heavily linked with Atalanta before they shifted their focus to Mateo Retegui following Gianluca Scamacca's ACL injury.

At Lazio, Folorunsho would reunite with Marco Baroni for the third time in his career, having previously played under him at Reggina and Hellas Verona. Napoli reportedly values him at 15 million euros.

In addition, Lazio are considering Cesare Casadei as an alternative to Folorunsho. The 21-year-old, a product of Inter Milan's academy, joined Chelsea in 2022. After a promising stint with Leicester City last season, Chelsea recalled him due to an injury crisis. Although he has since been a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge, Lazio face competition from Cagliari and Fiorentina, who are also interested in the Ravenna-born talent.