Chelsea and West Ham United have reportedly cooled their interest in sealing a late summer move for 21-year-old Barcelona midfield prospect Marc Casado.

According to a report by SPORT, as relayed by Sport Witness, Chelsea and West Ham United have been keen on signing Marc Casado. The two London clubs are keen on reinforcing their midfield departments in the final days of the summer transfer window. So, the 21-year-old Barcelona whizkid emerged as a target for them.

Widespread reports suggested Barcelona wanted around €30 million to part ways with Casado in the summer transfer window. However, Chelsea and West Ham have walked away from a summer move for the Spaniard, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Atletico Madrid also cooling their interest in him.

Marc Casado and his rapid rise

Marc Casado has established himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at FC Barcelona. The 21-year-old made his senior bow for Barcelona in November 2022 but enjoyed his breakthrough at the Catalan club in the 2023/24 season.

Hansi Flick has brought the best out of the Spanish midfielder, who has made 42 appearances thus far for Barcelona while chipping in with one goal and six assists. Meanwhile, Casado’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with the Barcelona midfielder capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Chelsea and West Ham United have been among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

Casado set for Barcelona stay?

Chelsea’s interest in Marc Casado may be perplexing at first glance, but it makes sense. While Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are the first-choice central midfielders, Enzo Maresca can do with more options in the middle of the park. So, the Barcelona whizkid emerged as a market opportunity for Chelsea.

As for West Ham United, Guido Rodriguez faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium, and Carlos Soler did not complete a permanent move after a horrendous loan spell in the 2024/25 season. Additionally, the Hammers have sanctioned a loan deal for Edson Alvarez. So, Casado has been a viable target, with Barcelona’s asking price of €30 million making him an appealing target.

Apart from Chelsea and West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Atletico Madrid have also been keen on signing Casado in the summer transfer window. However, Chelsea, West Ham, and the other suitors have ruled out a summer move for the 21-year-old Spanish midfielder, and he will remain with Barcelona for at least another season.