Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea rejected a bid from Arsenal to sign 16-year-old goalkeeper Freddy Bernal.
Bernal is currently a member of Chelsea’s youth academy and has already received call-ups for England’s U18S squad, despite being just 16.
Most Read on Gooner News
The youngster has also made five appearances for Chelsea’s U18S this season in the U18 Premier League, where he conceded 11 goals, averaging 2.2 goals conceded per game. The Gunners are reportedly interested in signing him as a future replacement for current number one David Raya.
Romano posted on X: “Arsenal have offered Chelsea £1.25m for England U18 goalkeeper Freddy Bernal. Chelsea rejected the bid, clear on their position as they want to keep Bernal. Several other clubs remain interested.”
It is not clear whether the Gunners are expected to go in for Bernal again, but considering Chelsea rejected a £1m plus bid, it may be that the Blues are adamant that the 16-year-old is not for sale.
🚨 EXCL: Arsenal have offered Chelsea £1.25m for England U18 goalkeeper Freddy Bernal.
Chelsea rejected the bid, clear on their position as they want to keep Bernal. Several other clubs remain interested. pic.twitter.com/iYlQNPABeQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 11, 2025
If Arsenal were to secure the signing of Bernal, he would help to fill the void left by Neto, whose loan deal from Bournemouth is due to expire at the end of the season. This means that as things stand, Arsenal don’t have a backup keeper for next season.
Arsenal likely to sign La Liga star to backup Raya
As they don’t currently have a player to play as Raya’s backup, Arsenal are likely to sign a keeper during the summer transfer window.
They have been strongly linked to Espanyol stopper Joan Garcia, who has impressed in Spain this season, conceding 47 goals in 35 games, and keeping seven clean sheets in La Liga.
Reports have indicated that the Gunners are likely to pay around £21m for the keeper, but it remains to be seen whether Garcia would be happy as a backup rather than the first choice stopper.
Click here to see Arsenal’s latest injury news and expected return dates.