Aston Villa are preparing a £30m bid for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, despite the Spanish club insisting the 19-year-old is “untouchable” under their current plans.
Bernal has emerged as one of the standout young players at the La Liga champions after an impressive 2025-26 campaign. He made 33 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals as Hansi Flick’s side won the league title.
Barcelona regard the Spain Under-? midfielder as an important part of their future, with Flick understood to hold him in particularly high regard. The club have already rejected bids worth about £25m for his services.
However, Aston Villa are eager to test Barcelona’s resolve. Villa manager Unai Emery has placed Bernal at the top of his transfer wishlist and has asked the club to make an approach for the teenager.
According to The Sun, Aston Villa are preparing an offer of £30m for Bernal. The club, who won last season’s Europa League, are considered the leading contenders for his signature as Emery pushes to complete the deal.
Barcelona have also turned away interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions made an enquiry about Bernal, but their approach was quickly rejected. Barcelona told City that the midfielder is not for sale “under the current circumstances”, a response that suggests the door to a potential departure may not be completely closed.
Manchester City are reviewing their midfield options amid speculation linking Rodri with a move to Real Madrid. That situation could increase the club’s need to recruit in the position, although their initial enquiry about Bernal has not resulted in an agreement.
Bernal is also attracting attention from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. Arsenal have monitored him for some time, with manager Mikel Arteta looking to strengthen his midfield options.
Manchester United have sent scouts to watch the player, while Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are prepared to wait in the hope that Barcelona may soften their stance in the future.
Villa currently lead the race, but the level of interest means Barcelona could face additional pressure if Emery’s club formally submits its proposed £30m offer. The Catalan club’s public position remains that Bernal is not available, although its wording in response to Manchester City leaves some uncertainty over whether that stance could change.
Bernal joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at the age of six. He progressed through the club’s youth system alongside a highly regarded group of players that included Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.
His breakthrough season has strengthened his reputation as one of Barcelona’s leading emerging talents, while his performances have prompted a growing list of suitors from both the Premier League and La Liga.