Arsenal Set to Battle Chelsea in the Race to Sign €50m Barcelona Star | OneFootball

Premier League Trio Keep Tabs on Barcelona’s Marc Casado

Young Midfielder Emerges as Summer Target

Barcelona may have no desire to part with Marc Casado this summer, but interest from England’s biggest clubs is starting to gather pace. According to a report from Caught Offside, “Well-placed figures with ties to the agents industry have provided CaughtOffside with information on Casado’s future this summer, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all interested in the 21-year-old.”

That level of attention is no surprise. Casado has emerged as one of Barcelona’s most promising midfielders in recent years, with a maturity in possession and positional discipline that belies his age. While the Spanish champions inserted a €100 million release clause into his contract, the article notes that they are realistically open to selling for around €50 million, particularly given their financial pressures.

This is the dilemma for Barça. They have talent, but they also have debt. If the right offer comes in, Casado could become the latest La Masia graduate to depart before truly establishing himself.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal, Chelsea and United Assess Midfield Options

For Arsenal, Casado represents depth rather than desperation. With Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard already secured, the Gunners appear to have done their midfield business early. Yet enquiries have been made, and sporting directors do not make those calls without reason. Mikel Arteta is a perfectionist, and Casado’s positional flexibility may appeal.

Chelsea, meanwhile, find themselves in a more reactive position. The midfield rebuild has struggled for cohesion, and the absence of impact from Romeo Lavia has been notable. As Caught Offside mention, “Chelsea have also been linked with Casado by a report from Sport, and their interest could make the most sense after the lack of impact made by Romeo Lavia during his time at Stamford Bridge.”

It is Manchester United, though, who may hold the most intrigue. With Manuel Ugarte’s arrival failing to fully convince, there is an openness at Old Trafford to new ideas. The report adds: “One source made the interesting point that Man United seem open to bringing in Casado as an upgrade on the unconvincing Manuel Ugarte.” That line alone suggests more than passing interest.

Barcelona’s Position Remains Firm for Now

Barcelona’s stance is not unclear. They want to keep Casado. They have inserted that €100m release clause to protect their asset, and their sporting structure still values the midfielder highly. However, as is often the case with elite Spanish clubs, their financial constraints could dictate otherwise.

Caught Offside reports, “It could be that Barca would let Casado go if the money was right, but for now things haven’t advanced.” For the Premier League trio, timing may be crucial. None of the clubs have made formal offers, and all three are still weighing their options in what is a complex summer market.

Photo: IMAGO

Long-Term Potential Worth Investing In

Casado represents something different. He is not a glamour signing, but he is a high-ceiling player. A midfielder who breaks lines through positioning and awareness rather than raw power. He does not demand the limelight, but his consistency demands attention.

Whether it is at the Emirates, Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford, it is clear that English football’s biggest names believe Casado could be a long-term solution. Barcelona may yet resist, but with growing interest and financial reality tightening, the door remains ajar.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Chelsea, Casado feels like the kind of player the club should have been targeting 18 months ago. Young, intelligent, tactically sharp. With Enzo Maresca likely to favour controlled possession and positional discipline, Casado could slot in well. Given Lavia’s struggles with form and fitness, fans would welcome a more durable, consistent presence at the base of midfield.

For Arsenal fans, the interest likely brings mixed feelings. The club has already added steel and structure in Zubimendi and Norgaard. But depth has been a challenge in the past, particularly when injuries hit. Casado may not walk straight into the XI, but his versatility and tactical understanding suit Arteta’s system. His ability to operate in a two or drop between centre-backs gives Arsenal further control in rotation.

Manchester United’s interest feels the most speculative but potentially the most necessary. Ugarte has looked raw, and Casemiro’s best days are behind him. Casado may not be a headline arrival, but in the context of long-term squad planning, he could become essential.

This one may take weeks to unfold, but all three clubs would be wise to keep close watch.