Arsenal took their real step first to sign Barcelona prodigy Marc Casadó, with manager Mikel Arteta himself advocating the deal. Spanish and English sources say they are ready to pay €51 million to bring the 20-year-old to the Emirates Stadium, and that they see him fitting perfectly with considered long-term view of their project.
Who is Marc Casadó?
Marc Casadó has emerged as one of the most intriguing talents to come from Barcelona‘s prestigious La Masia academy in recent years. Casadó is a versatile midfielder and can play defensively in midfield, centrally in midfield and also as a right back.
He has already received great attention by various comparisons to Sergio Busquets, and rightfully so – due in large part to his calmness and coolness on the ball, in addition to his IQ and awareness of space and controlling possession deep in both zones of the pitch.
He has made his debut already with the first team, and upon having early success with the B team, he has shown traits of maturity, technique with the ball, tactical acumen when playing squared, and ability to intercept a counter-attack, which makes him an intriguing player for many European clubs.
Why Gunners Want Him?
Mikel Arteta has been interested in a young, energetic midfielder for some time, especially one who has the technical ability to carry out his ideas around tactical possession. Knowing Thomas Partey’s future is wavering due to his injury problems and Jorginho is getting old, Arsenal take first step in pursuit for Casadó provides a long-term solution for the defensive midfield role.
🚨 Arsenal and Chelsea are preparing offers in the region of €35-40m to sign Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado.
(Source: El Nacional)
🤔 𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗘: If you were Casado, who would you join:
1️⃣ Arsenal
2️⃣ Chelsea
3️⃣ Stay at Barcelona pic.twitter.com/SKZTTOKrIM
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 31, 2025
According to information confirming that the Arteta has been struck by Casadó’s game intelligence, passing range and work rate, so it figuratively ticks all the boxes in regards to a player who fits a high-pressing, high-possession style of play, it is said that Arteta asked the club’s hierarchy to pursue the deal. He sees him becoming a player who can play a major role in Arsenal’s future at the Emirates.
Barcelona’s Stance
As always with Barcelona, they are in a difficult financial situation. They are aware of Arsenal taking their step first in pursuit for Casadó because the former value Casadó as well. Moreover, they see him as a part of their future. But it may be difficult to say no to an offer of €51 million. This is regardless of their intentions, especially due to the need to get their finances in order. The reasons for selling their young players out of necessity recently include Nico González, and Alex Collado.
Nevertheless, Barcelona may attempt to negotiate a buyback clause, as they have with previous graduates. Arsenal would likely fight this, desiring to have Casadó on the outright transfer.
What This Means for Gunners?
If this does become a transfer, Casadó would be another addition to an already-young contingent of exciting talents at Arsenal. The roaster contains Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba — all flourishing under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners are building a squad for a sustained period of contention for trophies in the coming seasons. Nonetheless, Casadó could help that project.
🚨 Chelsea have made contact with the representatives of Barcelona's 21-year-old midfielder Marc Casado over a possible move.
(Source: Cadena SER) pic.twitter.com/VuC16O4cIO
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 15, 2025
To be able to further build squad depth through Casadó would improve Arsenal’s midfield. With Declan Rice as the team’s number one defensive midfielder, that can afford Casadó time to settle into the squad while learning from England’s number one, and be in control of the minutes that he can earn if he deserves them.
The Road Ahead
Negotiations have only just begun with Arsenal having accepted a fee in line with what Barcelona are asking. It does seem like there could be a serious chance of getting Casadó in Arsenal colours next season. Unfortunately for the player, he may also have a very difficult decision. The decision to stay at your boyhood club and fight for those minutes, or step outside your comfort zone, move to a new challenge in the Premier League. It will get him to work with a manager who has arguably shown his capability to nurture young potential.
Final Thoughts
Marc Casadó would be a tremendous signing for Arsenal and speaks to the club’s ambition under Arteta. Barcelona would be disappointed to lose another talented academy product. But if things come down to finances, they will let Casadó walk. For the Gunners this could go as a genius signing, as it will solidify their midfield for the next decade. The next few weeks will tell if this is a signing that actually occurs. However, one thing is for certain: Arsenal are serious about their business.
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