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Arsenal<\/a> are reportedly battling with Chelsea<\/a> over a deal to sign Barcelona<\/a> midfielder Marc Bernal, as per Caught Offside<\/span><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Having endured a dire campaign last term, the Blues have been working hard in this transfer<\/a> window to rebuild the squad under Xabi Alonso\u2019s guidance.<\/p>\n Previously, they focused on signing highly talented young players but have been looking to add experienced names this summer. Chelsea are reportedly<\/span><\/a> keen on signing Danny Welbeck from Brighton and Hove Albion and Jordan Henderson from Brentford.<\/p>\n However, although the West London club are interested in Henderson, Caught Offside<\/em> claim that they are looking for another midfielder and have earmarked Bernal \u2013 valued at around \u00a326m on Transfermarkt<\/span><\/a> \u2013 as a serious option.<\/p>\n They have been keeping a close eye on his progress before making a potential swoop. However, purchasing the 19-year-old won\u2019t be straightforward for Alonso as Arsenal are also in the race to sign the talented midfielder.<\/p>\n But the report state that, with the player\u2019s existing deal set to run until 2029, Barcelona have no intention of letting him leave, and he has a \u00a3428m release clause in his existing deal. The youngster is even keen on flourishing his career at Camp Nou.<\/p>\n Following Christian Norgaard\u2019s difficulties in breaking into Mikel Arteta<\/a>\u2019s starting line-up last term, the Gunners are keen on purchasing a new midfielder this summer.<\/p>\n After being linked with several names, they have accelerated<\/span><\/a> their efforts to sign Newcastle United<\/a> star Bruno Guimaraes. However, it appears Arsenal are also interested in Bernal.<\/p>\n He is a 6ft 4in tall left-footed defensive midfielder but can provide cover in the box-to-box role if needed. He has shown glimpses of his qualities in La Liga in recent times, although he has mainly featured as a rotational option.<\/p>\n Bernal is a highly talented player and possesses the necessary attributes to flourish in Arteta\u2019s possession-based system. So, he would be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal should they purchase him.<\/p>\n However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club or the West London club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBattle<\/h2>\n
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