Sources: Aston Villa make approach to sign player hailed 'excellent' by Hansi Flick
Aston Villa are preparing to bid £30million for Barcelona’s Marc Bernal this summer as they look to upgrade their midfield, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League club are set to test the Catalan club’s resolve for the 19-year-old, who is top of Unai Emery’s midfield wish list.
Sources say Villa have made contact over a deal for the rising star, with Emery pushing the club to get a move done.
Last season, the youngster played 33 times in all competitions and scored five goals as Barcelona won the title.
However, Flick is also a big fan, proven in his past comments about the midfielder.
Villa are in need of a new central-midfielder this summer after Youri Tielemans agreed to move to Manchester United.
Hansi Flick: Marc Bernal is excellent
After progressing through Barcelona’s academy, Bernal firmly broke into the first-team last season.
Mainly used as a squad player, he still went on to make nine starts in La Liga as the club won the title.
During his time on the pitch, Bernal clearly impressed Flick, who was quick to heap praise on the young midfielder earlier this year.
He told Tribuna on 22 February 2026: “Bernal played as number six and also gave us good ball control. He is excellent, always finding the right spot. He is also very intelligent, and that's all the better. It's fantastic that he is at this level.
If Villa are able to secure Bernal’s signature, the club could have a bargain on their hands.
The midfielder is clearly a top talent, and if he is able to continue his development at Aston Villa, he could be in the starting XI for years to come.
What other business could Aston Villa conduct this summer?
Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Leon Bailey could move to Saudi Arabia this summer transfer window.
Clubs from the Middle Eastern nation are thought to be interested in the winger, who Villa are keen to sell over the coming weeks.
This comes after a potential move to Hull City collapsed, with the deal to the newly-promoted Premier League club now off.
Now, Saudi Pro League sides are prepared to try and seal a deal with Villa for Bailey this summer.
However, it remains to be seen where the Jamaica international will be playing his football throughout the 2026-27 campaign as Emery looks to make further changes to his squad.