Chelsea “prepared to offer €35m” in January for “perfect fit” in their system | OneFootball

We’re now into the the October international break, which is traditionally the time when transfer rumours start up again.

The summer is further and further behind us, while the January window is starting to become a real thing. You can tell as we start to get chatter about what clubs might do when that opportunity comes up.

Barcelona midfielder remains on Chelsea’s list

Marc Casado playing for Barcelona (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Chelsea are today being linked with a move for Barcelona defensive midfielder Marc Casado.

The Daily Briefing says that the Blues “still have a strong interest” in the midfielder after attempts in the summer came to nothing.

There’s even a quote from an agent in the piece: “[Chelsea] see Casado as a perfect fit for their system, and a smart investment. They’re prepared to offer €30-35m this January.”

Barca don’t want to let their home grown prospect go, but “Chelsea know Barcelona are open to negotiating,” the source continued.

“It would ease their financial pressure and help balance the books.”

Chelsea well covered in midfield – when key players are back

We’re not so sure about this one. We’ve been short of midfield players this season simply because Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo have missed most of it so far, and Andrey Santos has also been added to the injured list recently.

But when they’re all fit we should be pretty strong centrally. Casado may be a market opportunity too good to turn down, but unless he really pushes to leave Barcelona we can’t see this deal making sense for Chelsea.

Both Casado and Fermin Lopez, who Chelsea wanted in the summer, are clearly on the list. But a January move doesn’t feel likely. The likes of Essugo will be back and competing for minutes a month before the winter window even opens.