Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal have now submitted offer for Chelsea sensation
Arsenal have offered Chelsea £1.25 million to acquire the services of England under-18 international goalkeeper Freddy Bernal, according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
However, the Blues knocked back the bid from the Gunners for the 16-year-old sensation, insisting he is not for sale.
Bernal has caught the eyes of Arsenal and other suitors following some impressive performances at youth level, which is why Chelsea want to keep him as they believe he has what it takes to become a mainstay in their first-team.
Several other clubs remain interested in the teenage goalie, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal plan to return with an improved offer.
He has started five matches for Chelsea under-18s so far this term and was with the England under-18s during the international break in March.
Arsenal are not short of options in the department at youth level as they have 19-year-old Tommy Setford and 16-year-old Jack Porter within their ranks.
Porter was on the bench in the Champions League against Atalanta and in the Premier League against Manchester City last September before making his debut in the Carabao Cup against Bolton Wanderers later that month, becoming the second youngest player to ever start a match for Arsenal at the age of 16 years old and 72 days.
Setford joined the Gunners last July, making his debut in October against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup as the North London club secured a 3-0 win.
Arsenal are also reportedly close to signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as a challenger to David Raya, but they want to keep bolstering their options in the position and could look to submit another bid for Bernal.
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