Arsenal submit offer for Chelsea wonderkid - Romano

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 11 May 2025 14:03 CDT
• 4 min read

News

Chelsea have reportedly rejected a €1.5 million offer from Arsenal for academy goalkeeper Freddy Bernal.

The teenage shot-stopper has attracted several suitors following a number of impressive performances in Chelsea’s youth set-up this season and Arsenal have stepped up their interest by submitting an opening bid for his signature.

That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who 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.”

Bernal, 16, has started five games for Chelsea’s U18 side so far this season, including the most recent two matches, and he was recently included in England’s U18 squad for the March internationals.

Arsenal chase summer deal for Freddy Bernal

Arsenal’s interest in Bernal may come as a slight surprise given the impressive performances of fellow 16-year-old Jack Porter this campaign.

The Gunners academy goalkeeper has emerged as Arsenal U18’s preferred goalkeeper since the start of 2025 and he is expected to start for England during the upcoming U17 European Championships.

Furthermore, Arsenal also have Tommy Setford in their academy system, who is very highly-rated and made his first-team debut against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup back in October.

In addition to Bernal, Arsenal are eager to land Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as they look to provide competition for David Raya in between the sticks.

They are also pursuing moves for Nico Williams (Athletic Club) and Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP) amid Arteta’s push to bolster the attacking options at his disposal.

Meanwhile, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, Arsenal are set to make Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window after agreeing personal terms with the Spain international.

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