Arsenal and Chelsea both interested in Barcelona star | OneFootball

Arsenal Weigh January Midfield Move Amid Marc Casado Links

Arsenal News report that Arsenal are monitoring Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, with Chelsea also in the mix for the 22-year-old. Mundo Deportivo claim “The Blues are preparing an opening bid worth €35 million for the 22-year-old defensive midfielder.” That figure feels steep for someone averaging “only 33 minutes per game in his seven appearances for the Spanish champions in the ongoing campaign.”

Depth Versus Development

Arsenal’s midfield department is already well stocked, with Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino offering physicality and control. Christian Norgaard was also added to the group, though “Norgaard has barely played since his summer move from Brentford. The 31-year-old is a pure backup in the squad, and Arsenal don’t require another signing for the number six position.”

Photo: IMAGO

If anything, Arsenal appear more likely to make an attacking signing than another defensive one. As the report states, “If Arsenal were to strengthen in January, they could look at purchasing a marquee left winger. The Gunners have been keeping a close eye on Juventus star Kenan Yildiz this term.”

Chelsea Create Noise, Arsenal Stay Calculated

Chelsea’s strategy of bidding early in an attempt to unsettle rivals is familiar. Yet Casado himself is said to favour staying in Catalonia. “Mundo Deportivo add that Casado would like to stay at Barcelona, but highlight that he was an unused substitute during their recent 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Sevilla on the road.” Being left out may force his hand, as “The sporting situation under manager Hansi Flick could urge him to move on.”

Transfer Smokescreen or Serious Interest?

The suggestion that “The Casado speculation could be agent-driven” feels plausible. With Arsenal’s midfield hierarchy already set, any involvement could be more posture than pursuit. As one source close to negotiations might phrase it, “Clubs like Arsenal have no reason to rush. If Casado wants London, he will have to prove he is more than another academy talent looking for minutes.”

Credit to Arsenal News for surfacing the latest twist in a market that thrives on uncertainty.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excited Arsenal fans will be wondering whether this is genuine scouting or tactical misdirection. Many will say forget another holding midfielder and focus on firepower. Imagine a January with Kenan Yildiz walking through the door instead. That is the kind of move that shifts momentum in a title race.

A sceptical supporter might view the Casado talk as Chelsea tossing bids around simply to look busy. They have spent hundreds of millions without building a coherent spine. Would Arsenal really jump into another bidding contest when their midfield already has Rice, Merino, Zubimendi and Thomas Partey waiting for minutes?

One could also argue that Casado himself needs to make a decision. Does he stay at Barcelona and risk stagnation or take a leap into Premier League chaos? Being “an unused substitute” will sting. Fans respect ambition. If he wants to test himself against Rice in training every day, he will win admirers fast.

Ultimately, excitement should be tempered with realism. This feels like noise rather than imminent news. Arsenal have bigger priorities and smarter targets. January will reveal whether this story had substance or was just another agent fishing for clicks.