Chelsea reject Arsenal bid for young prospect | OneFootball

Arsenal have placed their first official bid of the summer transfer window, but Chelsea have already rejected their offer for youth goalkeeper Freddy Bernal.

Photo via Bernal on Instagram

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal have offered Chelsea £1.25m for the signing of youth goalkeeper Freddy Bernal. But the Blues have already rejected the bid, making it clear they want to keep the 16-year-old.

Romano adds that several other clubs remain interested in Bernal, so this may not be the end of the story.

Photo via Bernal on Instagram

Bernal only turned 16 this season, and he’s currently making his breakthrough into the Chelsea u18s. He made his debut in December and has appeared for the team on four further occasions in the u18 Premier League.

The youngster is also an England youth international, playing for the England u17s throughout the season and receiving an u18 call-up in March.

Bernal didn’t concede a goal in his three England u17 appearances, and it’s no surprise he’s now been called up again for the u17 Euros later this month. Arsenal’s Jack Porter and Max Dowman will also be involved for England at the tournament.

Photo via Bernal on Instagram

Arsenal are evidently keen to bring Bernal in before he’s eligible to sign his first professional contract in October, but Chelsea’s stance seemingly makes a deal difficult.

It’s still early days for the transfer window, so perhaps they’ll reconsider as the summer goes on.