Arsenal are keeping tabs on the situation of Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado amid interest from London counterparts Chelsea, according to Mundo Deportivo (page 5).
The Gunners bolstered their defensive midfield department with the signings of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard during the recent summer transfer window.
Norgaard was signed for two seasons from Brentford with an option for another year. The Dane has already admitted that he wants to return to Brondby once his deal expires.
Amidst this, Mundo Deportivo have taken information from ‘The Daily Briefing’, which claims that Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in signing Casado from Barcelona.
The Blues are preparing an opening bid worth €35 million for the 22-year-old defensive midfielder. They are keen to beat their London rivals in the pursuit of the Spain international.
Mundo Deportivo add that Casado would like to stay at Barcelona, but highlight that he was an unused substitute during their recent 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Sevilla on the road.
The sporting situation under manager Hansi Flick could urge him to move on.
Casado speculation seems to be agent-driven
The Gunners have sufficient depth in the holding midfield department after the summer spending spree.
They have added Zubimendi and Norgaard to their ranks. Alongside the duo, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino can operate from the heart of the midfield under manager Mikel Arteta.
Norgaard has barely played since his summer move from Brentford. The 31-year-old is a pure backup in the squad, and Arsenal don’t require another signing for the number six position.
If Arsenal were to strengthen in January, they could look at purchasing a marquee left winger. The Gunners have been keeping a close eye on Juventus star Kenan Yildiz this term.
The Casado speculation could be agent-driven. The midfielder has averaged only 33 minutes per game in his seven appearances for the Spanish champions in the ongoing campaign.
Chelsea may be interested in signing him at the turn of the year. Arsenal are likely being used to draw attention from other top European clubs and create a bidding war in January.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
