Sport
Chelsea made contact with a very highly-regarded Barcelona player as Enzo Maresca’s side seek his move to the Premier League
Chelsea has made contact with a marquee Barcelona player who is highly valued at the Camp Nou, as Enzo Maresca’s team looks to assess his interest in a move to the Premier League.
Roméo Lavia’s recent injury difficulties have revealed a minor dearth of quality centre-midfielders in Maresca’s roster, prompting them to evaluate their alternatives on the transfer market.
Chelsea did move to complete a £13 million deal for Mathis Amougou, who joined them from Saint-Étienne towards the back end of the January transfer window, but the teenager is believed to be a temporary solution for the first-team this season before he heads out on loan to Strasbourg for 2025/2026.
Bearing this in mind, Chelsea are looking at more permanent options for their midfield next season.
According to reports in Spain, Chelsea is willing to spend roughly £58 million for Atletico Madrid ace Pablo Barrios, and they were connected with a surprise deal for Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo this winter.
However, if Chelsea are to reignite their interest in the England international later this year, it is believed that United would demand around £80 million to sell Mainoo – so BlueCo would need to heavily invest in his signing.
Another rumoured midfield target for Maresca’s side is Barcelona starlet Marc Casado.
The 21-year-old has been an ever-present in Hansi Flick’s first-team, averaging their third-highest rate of tackles per 90 and a near-90 per cent passing accuracy (WhoScored) – with Chelsea thought to be very keen.
Chelsea approached Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado about a prospective deal
According to Spanish news source Cadena SER and writer Santi Ovalle, Chelsea has just approached Casado to test his interest in joining them.
The Catalan star’s contract includes an £83 million release clause, and while it is unclear whether Barcelona would be ready to negotiate a lower sum, he is supposedly well-liked at the club.
Casado, who has another three years remaining on his contract, also favours making a go of his career at Barca – but that hasn’t stopped Chelsea from becoming another Premier League side to express interest.
The Spaniard has received plaudits for his performances this season, with Bryan Zaragoza referring to him as a “animal”.
“He’s an animal,” said Zaragoza after Casado made his first ever Spain start in a 3-2 win over Switzerland late last year. “I don’t even know what to say about how he played. He’s barbaric.”
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente joined in on the praise soon afterwards, stating: “Marc has been with us for a game and a half and plays like a veteran. I never cease to be amazed by his maturity when I see him play with that confidence, that security and that control of the situation.”
