FC Barcelona have a squad brimming with talent. The Catalan club have been fortunate to see La Masia continually churn out players who step up to the first team seamlessly.
One of the first Barca Atletic players to receive prominence under Hansi Flick last season was Marc Casado. For almost the entirety of the first half of the campaign, he was an immovable object in the German manager’s line-up.
However, the re-emergence of Frenkie de Jong after injury has since sidelined the Spaniard. He has now become strictly a squad player who fills in for either the Dutchman or Pedri whenever they are absent through injury or suspension, or in need of a rest.
According to Fichajes, three European clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Napoli, have expressed interest in signing Casado from Barcelona in January. The teams are looking to take advantage of the 22-year-old’s lack of game time.
The Gunners want a rotational option to provide rest to Martin Zubimendi for a few games. Chelsea see him as a player capable of forming an excellent trio alongside Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Meanwhile, Napoli might be the team able to offer him the most game time.
The report mentions that Barcelona have set a price range of €30–35 million to facilitate a sale. However, Casado is a player who has come through the club’s ranks and embodies the spirit better than anyone else. He is unlikely to want to leave, and the club should also avoid making the mistake of parting with a very valuable squad player.
