Emery puts Barcelona’s ‘untouchable’ teenager Marc Bernal at top of Aston Villa shortlist

Aston Villa are preparing a £30m bid for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, despite the Spanish club insisting the highly rated teenager is “untouchable” under current circumstances.

According to The Sun, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has made Bernal one of his leading transfer targets and has asked the club to make an offer for the 19-year-old during the current summer transfer window.

Bernal emerged as one of the outstanding young players at La Liga champions Barcelona during 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.

Flick considers Bernal an important part of Barcelona’s future, and the club have already rejected offers worth about £25m from other sides.

However, Aston Villa are still prepared to test Barcelona’s resolve. The club, who won the Europa League last season, are understood to be leading the race for Bernal as Emery attempts to push through a deal.

The Sun reports that Villa are ready to submit a proposal worth £30m for the midfielder.

Barcelona have also rebuffed an approach from Manchester City, who made an enquiry about Bernal. The Premier League champions were quickly told that the player was not available, although Barcelona’s response reportedly described him as not for sale “under current circumstances” rather than completely ruling out a departure.

Manchester City are looking at ways to refresh their midfield options amid speculation linking Rodri with a move to Real Madrid.

Bernal’s performances have also attracted attention from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal have tracked the teenager for some time, with manager Mikel Arteta looking to strengthen his midfield. Manchester United have sent scouts to watch him, while Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are monitoring the situation in case Barcelona alter their position in the future.

The midfielder joined Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy at the age of six. He progressed through the club’s youth system alongside a talented group that included Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.

His development has made him one of Barcelona’s most closely watched young players, but the club’s current stance means Aston Villa face a difficult task if they are to secure his signature. The proposed £30m bid would therefore represent a significant test of Barcelona’s determination to retain a player viewed by Flick as part of the club’s long-term plans.