Aston Villa have been pushing to secure a move for Barcelona’s untouchable star despite having their approach rejected last season.
Aston Villa have been actively holding talks and keeping tabs on a number of targets. This summer, they have reignited their interest in Barcelona youngster Marc Bernal, who has been considered untouchable by his boss, Hansi Flick.
However, The Lions do not seem ready to give up. Unai Emery himself has reportedly suggested signing him this summer before other potential suitors make their move. According to a report in The Sun, Villa are preparing to return with an improved offer.
“Villa still want to test Barcelona’s resolve after Unai Emery placed him at the top of his wishlist. The Spaniard is a big fan of Bernal and has asked Villa to make an approach for the player.”
Bernal is a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy. He was promoted to the first team during the 2024/25 season but suffered a long-term injury. As a result, he lost his place to teammate Marc Casado. However, he has gradually regained his spot and has managed to establish himself as a regular.
The 19-year-old defensive midfielder has contributed five goals and one assist in 36 appearances across all competitions. His contract runs until the summer of 2029.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick views him, alongside Casado, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Lamine Yamal, as one of the key figures in the club’s future. Therefore, he is not for sale. Blaugrana have reportedly rejected offers of around £25 million from several clubs in the past.
Nevertheless, interest in Bernal has not cooled. Besides Villa, Manchester City, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal remain in the race to sign him should Barcelona’s stance soften.
Considering the competition from several elite clubs and the possibility of another rejection despite Villa’s improved £30 million offer, it may not be wise to continue pursuing the young defensive midfielder. Hansi Flick’s side are likely to remain firm in their stance. Furthermore, the injury to Frenkie de Jong could provide Bernal with even more opportunities to play regularly. The Dutch midfielder is expected to be sidelined for around four months.
Instead of focusing on a move for Bernal, which could ultimately prove futile, Villa may be better off switching their attention to Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara. Both are versatile midfielders capable of playing in a defensive role while also contributing to the build-up and creating or scoring goals.
The Clarets and Blue have also revived their interest in signing the Brazilian midfielder this summer after their attempt to sign him in summer 2025. Unfortunately, negotiations have stalled because the two clubs have been unable to agree on a transfer fee, with Galatasaray reportedly demanding £30 million.
Since that is similar to the amount Villa are prepared to offer for Bernal, they could instead meet the Turkish club’s valuation, save valuable time and allow Emery to move on to his remaining transfer targets. Hopefully, such could be considerable as the transfer deadline day has already been less than a month from now.
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