Chelsea have reportedly rejected an initial offer of €1.5 million from Arsenal for youth goalkeeper Freddy Bernal.
The 16-year-old goalkeeper has attracted interest from several clubs after a string of impressive performances for Chelsea’s youth team this season, and Arsenal have now taken a step further by submitting an initial bid to secure his signature.
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Fabrizio Romano writes in social media:
“Arsenal have made a bid of £1.25 million to Chelsea for England U18 goalkeeper Freddy Bernal. Chelsea rejected the bid and are clear that they want to keep Bernal. Several other clubs are still interested.”
Bernal, 16, has started five games for Chelsea’s U18 team this season, including the last two games, and was recently named in England’s U18 squad for the friendly matches in March.
Arsenal’s interest in Bernal may seem surprising, as the 16-year-old Jack Porter has impressed greatly this season.
Porter has established himself as Arsenal U18’s first-choice goalkeeper since the start of 2025 and is expected to be England’s first choice at the upcoming U17 European Championship.
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In addition, Arsenal also have Tommy Setford in the youth department, who is highly valued and who made his first-team debut against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup in October.
Arsenal also wants other reinforcements
Besides Bernal, Arsenal are also interested in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, as they want to create competition for David Raya’s place.
They are also working on transfers for Nico Williams (Athletic Club) and Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) while Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his attacking line.
