Chelsea set to battle Arsenal in the race to sign Barcelona midfielder – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Eye Marc Casado Transfer as January Plans Take Shape

Chelsea’s recruitment department may be preparing another strategic January swoop, with multiple reports crediting Enzo Maresca’s side with strong interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado. As relayed by Caught Offside, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder “is seen as a smart investment” by decision-makers at Stamford Bridge, while Arsenal are also monitoring developments.

Barcelona’s Financial Situation Opens Door

Barcelona’s need to balance the books is no secret, and sources referenced by Caught Offside suggest that bids in the region of €30-35m could secure Casado’s departure. That valuation reflects both opportunity and risk, as the Catalan side are prepared to sacrifice potential rather than lose core first-team stars.

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One insider told Caught Offside, “the current feeling is that Chelsea will try their luck to get that deal done this winter,” indicating a level of confidence from within the club that the structure of the deal may be negotiable. Barcelona have already rejected approaches for other young midfielders such as Fermin Lopez, yet Casado appears more attainable.

Depth Behind Caicedo and Fernandez Required

Despite significant investment in midfield, Chelsea are still light in defensive midfield options beyond Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Romeo Lavia remains sidelined more often than available, which strengthens the argument for securing competition in that area.

Casado may not have cemented himself as a Barcelona starter, but his technical grounding and positional intelligence could make him a valuable rotational figure. As Caught Offside point out, “Casado might not have established himself as first choice at Barcelona, but he could add important depth behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.”

Arsenal Interest Raises Stakes

Arsenal are also cited as contenders for Casado’s signature, with their recruitment team wary of longevity in defensive midfield. Christian Norgaard joined from Brentford in the summer yet “doesn’t look like someone who’s likely to be a particularly long-term option due to his age.” Mikel Arteta has not leaned heavily on him so far, suggesting room for another addition.

Chelsea and Arsenal have faced off in the transfer market before, with Mykhailo Mudryk the most recent example. Chelsea ultimately overpowered Arsenal late in the race, and Casado’s situation may develop along similar lines.

Smart Investment or Squad Filler?

From a financial standpoint, €35m for a player trained in Barcelona’s academy system represents strong resale potential. Even if Casado does not break into Chelsea’s starting XI, his profile and age suggest he would retain or increase value.

There is also a philosophical alignment between Maresca’s possession-based structure and the La Masia schooling. A figure capable of recycling pressure, disrupting transitions and playing through tight spaces fits Chelsea’s evolving identity.

“Casado could be allowed to make way and that looks like an exciting opportunity for Chelsea,” one source stressed, and that sentiment captures a growing mood in west London. January may once again see Chelsea acting quicker and firmer than their rivals.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Chelsea supporter, this feels like exactly the type of deal that fits the current project. Enzo Maresca is building a side based on control, rhythm and tactical discipline, so adding another young midfielder who understands positional play makes perfect sense. Some fans might say we have signed enough midfielders, but depth is everything when competing across multiple competitions.

Signing a player like Casado would not block development for Caicedo or Fernandez, it would protect them. Both have been overworked at times, and asking them to play 50 matches a season without rotation is risky. If Casado arrives and settles quickly, it could finally give us stability in midfield rather than chaos dictated by injuries.

There is also a psychological boost in beating Arsenal to another signing. If the club are confident, then move early and get the deal sealed before it turns into a drawn-out summer saga. Maresca clearly trusts technically gifted midfielders, so if Casado has been identified as someone who fits the style, then it is worth backing the manager.

Would he walk straight into the starting XI? Probably not. But we have learned the hard way that squads win seasons. If Barcelona are willing to sell, Chelsea should not hesitate.