Chelsea approach £83m Barcelona player to see if he’d join Maresca

Chelsea have made contact with a marquee Barcelona player who’s very highly-regarded at the Camp Nou, as Enzo Maresca‘s side seek to gauge his interest in making a move to the Premier League.

Chelsea targeting new midfielder this summer

Roméo Lavia’s recent injury problems have exposed a slight shortage of quality centre-midfielders in Maresca’s squad, leading them to consider their options in 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.

Reports in Spain have suggested that Chelsea are prepared to bid around £58 million for Atletico Madrid ace Pablo Barrios, and they were linked with a sensational move for Man United gem Kobbie Mainoo during the 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 approach Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado over potential transfer

According to Spanish news outlet Cadena SER, and their reporter Santi Ovalle, Chelsea have approached Casado recently to gauge his interest in joining them.

The Catalan gem’s contract includes an £83 million release clause, and while it is unclear whether Barca would be willing to negotiate at a lower fee, he is apparently very well thought of 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 been praised by those within the beautiful game for his performances this campaign, with Bryan Zaragoza even calling him an “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.”