Aston Villa are preparing a £30million opening bid for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal after Unai Emery made the teenager his No.1 transfer target.
The latest Marc Bernal Aston Villa development comes despite Barcelona viewing the 19-year-old as an important part of their future.
Villa are continuing to reshape Emery’s midfield following the departures of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers this summer.
João Gomes and Johan Manzambi have already arrived, but Amadou Onana’s long-term injury means another addition remains possible before the window closes.
Marc Bernal Aston Villa move becomes Emery priority
The Sun reports that Aston Villa are preparing an opening £30million offer for Bernal, with Emery making the Barcelona youngster his leading target.
Bernal enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign, making 33 appearances and scoring five goals as Barcelona won La Liga.
The midfielder came through La Masia and has been regarded as one of the club’s leading academy prospects for several years.
Barcelona strengthened their commitment to Bernal last September when they handed him a contract running until June 2029.
Villa are not alone in monitoring his situation.
Manchester City have also made an enquiry, although Barcelona rejected their approach. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid have also been credited with interest.
Barcelona reportedly regard Bernal as “untouchable” and have already rejected offers worth around £25million.
Villa are nevertheless prepared to test that stance with a higher proposal.
Bernal’s ability to operate as a deep midfielder would give Emery another long-term option alongside Gomes, Manzambi and Boubacar Kamara.
A £30m bid would not guarantee Barcelona are prepared to negotiate, but Villa’s interest is now more advanced than simple monitoring.
