Overview
- Reports on Monday say Aston Villa are preparing a formal £30 million offer for 19‑year‑old Marc Bernal after Unai Emery made him a priority target.
- Barcelona have repeatedly told suitors the midfielder is 'untouchable' and have turned down offers in the region of £25 million, according to multiple accounts.
- Bernal is a La Masia graduate who had a breakout 2025–26 season, appearing 33 times and scoring five goals as Barcelona won La Liga, and he is valued by coach Hansi Flick.
- Manchester City made an earlier enquiry and Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Atlético Madrid are reported to be tracking the player, though no rival club has lodged a formal bid that Barcelona has accepted.
- Analysts say a £30 million bid would likely fail to change Barcelona’s stance because of Bernal’s contract to 2029 and the widely reported €500 million release clause, which could push interested clubs to pursue other midfield targets.