Enzo Maresca has plenty of dynamic midfield options in his Chelsea squad. Of course, he has two of the most expensive Premier League footballers ever, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, the former of whom is sometimes tasked with playing in more advanced roles.
The Italian coach can also call upon the likes of Romeo Lavia in the middle of the park, although the talented youngster has struggled with injury this term.
Summer signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is another option the Blues have in midfield, but he has started just one league game since moving to Stamford Bridge, and captain Reece James, a right-back by trade, has also featured in midfield.
However, that is seemingly not enough depth for Maresca’s liking, given Chelsea are linked with another midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.
Latest on Chelsea's search for a midfielder
It is no secret that one of the best academies at producing midfield talent is Barcelona’s La Masia academy. The famous trio Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets are all graduates, and a modern-day example is Pedri.
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Well, reports from Spain suggest that Chelsea, and owner Todd Boehly, have ‘set their sights’ on signing Marc Casado, who has impressed for the La Liga giants.
The West Londoners reportedly see the 21-year-old ‘as a strategic addition to strengthen their midfield both now and in the future’ and are willing to ‘submit’ an offer to secure his signature.
However, Maresca’s side are reportedly not alone in their hunt for Casado’s signature. London rivals Arsenal are also interested in a deal and view the Spaniard as the ‘ideal option’ to add to their midfield quality. Casado could cost the Premier League giants upwards of £33m this summer.
Why Chelsea could be targeting their next Fabregas
Given that he is a La Masia graduate who has featured prominently for Barca this term, there is no doubt that Casado will be a quality player for Chelsea’s midfield. Naturally, he oozes technical quality on the ball.
The youngster has played 41 times for his boyhood club so far across his career, making his debut in the 2022/23 campaign. However, under Hansi Flick this term, Casado has really made an impact.
The young midfielder has played 36 times across competitions this term under the German boss. In that time, he has grabbed six assists and managed to get on the scoresheet once in the recent 4-0 win over Real Sociedad.
Many of Casado’s appearances this term have come from defensive midfield, which suggests he has the progressive skills and ball-winning ability to play a deeper role.
The 21-year-old was described as a “midfield general” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
In fact, his statistics via FBref from La Liga games this term show just how good he is on the ball. For example, the midfielder averages 5.98 progressive passes per game, which ranks him in the top 18% of Spanish top-flight midfielders.
He makes, on average, 3.69 tackles and interceptions per game, placing him in the top 22% of midfielders in La Liga.
Passes completed
68.21
95th
Passes into final third
7.71
94th
Progressive passes
5.98
82nd
Tackles
3.69
78th
Ball recoveries
5.03
60th
Should Chelsea sign the Barca prodigy, it would be reminiscent of the reported £30m deal to sign Cesc Fabregas from the La Liga giants back in 2014.
Described as a ‘major coup’ for the Blues by The Guardian at the time, the Blues swooped in to sign the former Arsenal midfielder after the Gunners decided against their buyback clause.
Indeed, what a signing the 2010 World Cup winner proved to be for the West Londoners. Described as a “maestro” by former boss Jose Mourinho, he played 198 games for the club, scoring 22 times and grabbing 57 assists.
Fabregas’ quality was on a whole other level during his time in the Premier League. His 111 assists for both Arsenal and Chelsea, of which 41 came for the Blues, are bettered by only two players in the competition’s history – Ryan Giggs (162) and Kevin De Bruyne (118).
If Casado could have anywhere near that level of impact at Stamford Bridge, it would be a hugely successful signing for Boehly and co. He would certainly elevate the technical quality of Chelsea’s midfield, and would hope to help them win titles, just as Fabregas did all those years ago.
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