Arsenal’s bid to sign Chelsea’s 16-year-old goalkeeper Freddy Bernal has been turned down. The Blues rejected a £1.25 million bid for the England U18 international.
Chelsea are determined to keep hold of Bernal, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. However, other clubs are showing interest in Bernal, who has come up through the Cobham youth sides. He notably made his debut for the U18 Premier League in December and has played five times since. He has also played for England at both the U18 levels this season.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Bernal is a part of their master plan to add strength to their options between the sticks, particularly since Neto’s loan from Bournemouth will expire. Chelsea’s rejection, though, indicates that they believe Bernal is an important piece of their long-term vision.
As the summer transfer window looms, it will be a matter of wait and see whether Arsenal come back with a better offer or look elsewhere. Chelsea, on the other hand, are busy preparing for some make-or-break games. They have a Conference League final against Real Betis and Premier League encounters against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in the coming weeks.
Chelsea Face Defining Weeks with European Ambitions at Stake
Chelsea have a decisive portion of their season ahead of them with a Conference League final and two important Premier League games. A Betis victory would secure Europa League qualification and a fifth European championship. Defeat, however, would leave Chelsea’s continental fate in their league position.
In the Premier League, Chelsea are fifth with 63 points, ahead of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Winning the remaining games against Forest and Manchester United will secure a top-five position and Champions League qualification.
Losing both these games might leave Chelsea in seventh position, out of European competition for another whole year. To add to the challenges, striker Nicolas Jackson will be absent from these league matches through suspension.