Monaco are pushing to complete a deal for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó. TEAMtalk writes that the Ligue 1 club has gone ahead of a number of Premier League clubs – including Manchester United – in the battle for the Spaniard.
Barcelona are preparing for a busy summer of squad restructuring. Casadó has emerged as one of the players expected to leave, as the Catalan giants are looking to create space in Hansi Flick’s squad while generating funds for more reinforcements.
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Monaco have made the most crucial move so far, and are now working to complete a deal worth over £20 million.
Monaco increasingly optimistic
Sources have indicated that the French club is becoming increasingly optimistic about securing Casadó’s signature. The player himself wants a move that can offer him regular first-team football.
The 22-year-old had a breakthrough at Camp Nou last year, with over 30 appearances as Barcelona secured the La Liga title under Flick. However, fewer than half of those appearances came as a starter, and Casadó is reportedly determined to establish himself as a regular starter at a crucial stage of his development.
This desire has played a major role in Monaco’s growing optimism.
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Premier League clubs in line
Our sources can reveal that a number of Premier League clubs have explored the possibility of signing Casadó in recent months. Manchester United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Everton and Crystal Palace have all had talks about the midfielder’s situation in recent weeks.
Despite the widespread interest, none of these clubs have come so far as to make a formal bid.
Chelsea are also still long-time admirers of Casadó and still rank him highly. However, sources suggest that the Blues’ inability to guarantee regular first-team opportunities has weakened their position in the game. That has opened the door for Monaco.
Clear path to regular playing time
The Ligue 1 club has presented Casadó with a clear path to regular football and a prominent role in his project – something that has resonated strongly with the Spaniard.
We understand that the prospect of playing in the principality, combined with the opportunity to become a key figure in Monaco’s midfield, has convinced Casadó that the transfer represents the best next step in his career.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are expected to continue trimming their squad as they prepare for more arrivals this summer. As sources revealed earlier this week, the Catalan giants have already reached an agreement with Bernardo Silva and are continuing their hunt for further reinforcements – making game sales increasingly important.
Casadó now seems to be one of the first names on his way out.
Leeds United are also among a growing number of Premier League clubs looking to sign another highly-rated Barcelona star who is expected to leave this summer.
