DEAL CLOSE:Arsenal have sent a €70 million offer for the world-class Barcelona midfielder. An agreement between the player and the club is expected soon. Talks between the two clubs are still ongoing.
Interest intensifies as Premier League clubs monitor Casado
In a summer market increasingly shaped by value and potential, Barcelona’s Marc Casado is attracting serious attention from several Premier League clubs. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all assessing the 21-year-old’s situation, with Barcelona reportedly willing to sanction his departure for a fee of around €50 million (£43 million) — half his €100 million release clause.
Casado is not yet a household name. But in football’s quieter corners, those where scouts trade whispers and recruitment staff pore over data, he is becoming a subject of serious conversation.
A product of La Masia, Barcelona’s revered academy, Casado has long been seen as a player of rare technical and positional intelligence. Appointed captain of Barça Atlètic before making his senior debut in November 2022, he has gradually carved a niche for himself in the first-team squad. His importance to Hansi Flick last season, in a transitional period for the Catalans, only grew as the campaign unfolded.
Numbers behind Casado’s growing reputation
Across all competitions in 2024/25, Casado made 36 appearances, scoring once and registering six assists. His numbers may not scream star power, but that would be missing the point. As a defensive midfielder, Casado operates in the shadows, anchoring play, recycling possession and dictating tempo.
His pass completion rate of 91.3% across La Liga and Champions League matches reflects his reliability in tight spaces. He averaged 6.4 ball recoveries per 90 minutes and completed 2.1 tackles per game, underlining his defensive discipline and positional awareness.
More telling, perhaps, was the impact he made in Spain’s 3-2 win over Switzerland in November, where he drew high praise from national team coach Luis de la Fuente. “He plays like a veteran,” the Spain boss said. “With that confidence, that calmness, and that sense of control.”
That match marked only his second appearance for La Roja, but his maturity stood out. His team-mate, Bryan Zaragoza, described him as “an animal”, referencing the physicality and intensity Casado brings to the engine room.
Midfield dynamics may push Arsenal to act
Arsenal’s interest comes at a time when Mikel Arteta’s midfield is being subtly reshaped. The exits of Jorginho and Thomas Partey have created space, even after the high-profile arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard. The latter, 31, may offer experience, but Casado brings longevity and a contrasting profile.
There is belief that Casado could serve as a long-term understudy — and eventual successor — to Zubimendi, offering versatility as both a holding midfielder and deep-lying playmaker.
Chelsea and Manchester United, both exploring midfield reinforcements, remain attentive. Chelsea’s interest dates back to February, while United have considered Casado as a potential alternative to Manuel Ugarte, whose debut season at Old Trafford left questions unanswered.
Barcelona’s financial landscape may accelerate deal
For all of Casado’s promise, Barcelona’s position remains complicated. With Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Pedri and emerging talent Marc Bernal already competing for midfield minutes, the club’s hierarchy is open to negotiation — especially with the need to balance the books.
Selling a player like Casado, who still holds considerable value despite only one full top-flight season, aligns with the club’s wider strategy. His €50 million valuation may seem steep, but for clubs seeking a technically proficient, tactically intelligent midfielder with growth potential, it could prove a shrewd investment.
As the transfer window gathers pace, Casado’s future remains delicately poised. But with top Premier League sides circling and Barcelona seemingly willing to do business, the next chapter in his career may soon be written on English soil.
