Aston Villa are preparing to test Barcelona’s determination to keep highly rated midfielder Marc Bernal by making a £30m offer during the summer transfer window, according to The Sun.
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the leading young players at the Spanish champions after an impressive 2025-26 campaign. Bernal made 33 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals as Hansi Flick’s side won La Liga.
Flick regards the midfielder as an important part of Barcelona’s future, and the club have already described Bernal as “untouchable”. However, that stance has not deterred Aston Villa, who are keen to discover whether Barcelona would reconsider their position for the right offer.
Villa manager Unai Emery is understood to be a strong admirer of Bernal and has asked the club to pursue a deal. The Sun reports that the previous season’s Europa League winners are ready to submit a bid worth £30m as Emery attempts to secure the teenager’s signature.
Barcelona have already rejected offers in the region of £25m from other clubs. Manchester City have also made an enquiry about Bernal, although their approach was quickly turned down.
The Catalan club told Manchester City that Bernal is not for sale “under current circumstances”, wording that suggests the possibility of a departure has not been completely ruled out.
Manchester City are looking to refresh their midfield options amid speculation linking Rodri with a move to Real Madrid. Their interest in Bernal adds to competition for a player who is also being monitored by Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal have followed Bernal for some time, with manager Mikel Arteta seeking to strengthen his midfield. Manchester United have sent scouts to watch the player, while Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are waiting to see whether Barcelona’s position changes in the future.
Villa currently lead the race for Bernal, with Emery pushing for the club to make progress on a potential transfer. Any move would nevertheless depend on Barcelona deciding that the midfielder’s long-term importance can be outweighed by a substantial offer.
Bernal joined Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy at the age of six. He progressed through the club’s youth system alongside fellow members of a highly regarded generation, including Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, before establishing himself as one of the most closely watched young midfielders in Europe.
