Arsenal have now submitted an opening offer for an "exceptional" young player, and they've had a response, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Gunners set sights on new goalkeeper
After initially usurping Aaron Ramsdale in the starting XI, David Raya has established himself as a key player for the Gunners, making 36 appearances in the Premier League this season, but there are signs that Mikel Arteta has now started looking at bringing in a long-term heir.
Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia is among the main targets, with the north Londoners recently holding talks over a deal for the Spaniard, who would prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of signing for Premier League rivals Manchester United.
Garcia has been a target for quite some time, having initially agreed to join Arteta's side last year, and while they seem well-positioned to get a deal for the Spaniard over the line, Romano has now revealed that a move has been made for a different goalkeeper.
Belgium's Eden Hazard Related
[Arteta's a fan: Arsenal racing to sign "entertaining" Hazard-esque maestro](https://www.footballfancast.com/artetas-arsenal-racing-to-sign-alberto-moleiro-hazard-comparisons/ "Arteta's a fan: Arsenal racing to sign "entertaining" Hazard-esque maestro")
The Gunners have set their sights on a midfielder, who has been likened to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard.
In a recent update on X, the transfer expert stated that Arsenal have now submitted an opening offer of £1.25m for Chelsea goalkeeper Freddy Bernal, but the Blues were not convinced by their rivals' proposal.
The Gunners' rivals have knocked back the bid, given their eagerness to keep hold of Bernal, who is clearly impressing for the Blues at youth level, having also attracted the attention of several other unnamed clubs.
Arsenal's remaining Premier League fixtures Date
Newcastle United (h) May 18th
Southampton (a) May 25th
"Exceptional" Bernal catching the eye at youth level
Given that he is just 16-years-old, the Chelsea ace is likely to be some way off a first Premier League start, but he has caught the eye with his performances for the U18s, having been lauded for his "exceptional distribution" by scout Felix Johnston earlier this season.
The youngster was also the only Chelsea youngster to be named in the England U17 squad earlier in the campaign, highlighting his potential, so it is little wonder the Gunners are keen on taking him to north London.
That said, with the Blues knocking back Arsenal's offer, it seems unlikely they will be able to prise the teenager away from their London rivals, and Garcia could well be a preferable option, considering the 24-year-old is already proven at a much higher level.
joan garcia
The Espanyol star made 35 appearances in La Liga last season, during which time he caught the eye of football scout Ben Mattinson, who appeared to suggest he could be the perfect heir for Raya, given the similarities in their play-styles.