Arsenal is eyeing a January swoop on a Barcelona ace whose contract situation has opened the door to Premier League ambitions.
With Pedri sidelined for three weeks due to a thigh rupture and Dani Olmo easing back from national team knocks, Flick leans heavily on La Masia graduates to maintain rhythm across La Liga and Champions League fronts.
The club’s financial prudence prioritizes extensions—mirroring Arsenal’s focus on Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice equivalents—but one 21-year-old’s 2026 expiry has ignited a January transfer tussle.
That player in question is Marc Casado, who has seamlessly integrated into first-team rotations, impressing with relentless pressing, spatial awareness, and progressive passing akin to a young Sergio Busquets, as reported by Caught Offside.
Mikel Arteta, backed by a flexible January budget, views Casado’s €30 million valuation as a shrewd investment for midfield depth, especially given his Premier League-ready physicality and tactical maturity.
Arteta’s long-term radar also includes Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl, but Casado’s Barcelona roots complicate any move.
Flick’s faith in Casado—evident in tactical drills and substitute appearances—makes a mid-season exit improbable.
Barcelona’s sporting project emphasizes continuity, with renewal talks advancing to secure him beyond 2026.
Camp Nou insiders stress his role in high-pressure transitions, complementing Frenkie de Jong and Fermín López.
Arsenal’s interest, while flattering, clashes with Barcelona’s non-negotiable stance on disrupting momentum during a title charge.
Chelsea’s advanced position adds pressure, but Barcelona holds leverage.
Casado’s desire to emulate club legends keeps him anchored, viewing Arsenal or Chelsea as distractions.
As January looms, Barcelona’s priority is clear: lock in Casado, fortify the core, and let La Masia fuel sustained dominance.
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