Chelsea and Arsenal poised to compete for Barcelona star in 2026

Barcelona will need to consider sales in 2026, as they seek to continue efforts to improve their financial situation. The likes of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Robert Lewandowski could be playing their final season in Catalonia, and another player that may also depart is midfielder Marc Casado.

Casado broke into the Barcelona first team upon Hansi Flick’s arrival in the summer of 2024, but since then, his prominence has gradually waned – and it is not expected to become greater anytime soon. Because of this, there could be chances for him to be sold, given that Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Marc Bernal are, in theory, ahead of him in the pecking order.

Barcelona had wanted to sell Casado in the summer, but it turned out to be impossible. But when the transfer window re-opens, they could move the young defensive midfielder on, especially as CaughtOffside have reported that Premier League giants Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in signing him.

Barcelona set asking price for Casado sale

According to the report, Barcelona are prepared to accept any offers in the region of €30-35m, which would be more than achievable for the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal. However, it would be a different story trying to convince the 22-year-old to depart Catalonia, given that he has shown no intention of leaving.

If Casado is going to be fifth in the pecking order at defensive midfield, it makes sense for Barcelona to sell him while his price is high. €30-35m would be a major help to their financial woes, especially given that this money would represent pure profit, given that he came through the academy.

It remains to be seen whether the likes of Chelsea or Arsenal intensify their interest in Casado in the lead-up to the transfer window re-opening in January. At this time, Barcelona may be less inclined to sell, given that they would be unlikely to land a replacement.