Barcelona refuse to sell breakout academy star amid strong Arsenal interest – report | OneFootball

Marc Casado may have made his Barcelona first-team debut under the management of Xavi Hernandez, but he is enjoying his proper breakthrough at the senior level this season with Hansi Flick at the helm.

At 21 years old, the La Masia midfielder has established himself as a fundamental piece in Flick’s system, earning recognition for his tactical intelligence, passing ability, and defensive nous.

While Frenkie de Jong’s recent resurgence might have left Casado with fewer minutes on the pitch in the past weeks, the youngster remains a key part of the club’s present and future.

That has not stopped clubs across Europe from casting admiring glances towards the Spanish international.

Chelsea had already shown interest in Casado in the past and now another club from London have also expressed a liking towards him.

Arsenal eye Marc Casado

Indeed, according to Fichajes, Arsenal have shown the most serious interest in signing Marc Casado from Barcelona in the summer.

On Arsenal’s radar. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sees Casado as an ideal addition to strengthen his midfield. The Barça’s youngster’s ball-winning ability and defensive discipline align well with the Gunners’ philosophy of possession-based football.

As such, Arteta believes the 21-year-old Spanish international could be a strategic reinforcement for next season, especially with Arsenal likely to lose Thomas Partey and Jorginho in the summer.

Barcelona uninterested in the sale

However, as per the report, Barcelona have no intention of letting Casado go. The club’s sporting management, led by Deco, views him as both a present and future asset, making it clear that any approach from Arsenal will be rejected.

The La Liga leaders have full confidence in the academy graduate and believe he will be crucial to Flick’s tactical setup.

Furthermore, Casado himself made it clear in an interview this week that he wants to spend his entire career at Barcelona.

“I hope so. I want to spend my entire career at Barcelona and retire here. It’s my dream, it’s the club I love,” said the La Masia graduate.