Former Chelsea and Arsenal Target Agrees Five-Year Deal With €500m Release Clause

According to a report by Mundo Deportivo on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement with midfielder Marc Bernal over a new contract that would keep him at the club until 2031, with the proposed deal including a €500 million release clause.

Negotiations between the Catalan giants and the 19-year-old midfielder have progressed smoothly, with both parties keen to secure his long-term future. Bernal is expected to sign the agreement this week, although his signature and an official announcement from the club are still pending.

Barcelona regard Bernal as one of their promising young talents, having been impressed by his technical ability, composure on the ball and tactical awareness. His performances have strengthened the club’s belief that he could become an important member of their midfield in the coming years.

The proposed extension also reflects Barcelona’s continued commitment to developing young players through their academy system and retaining their most talented prospects amid growing competition from Europe’s leading clubs.

Chelsea and Arsenal have previously been linked with interest in Bernal, with both Premier League sides reportedly monitoring his development as they consider options to strengthen their midfield. Reports published in July identified the London clubs as potential suitors for the teenager.

However, Barcelona’s reported agreement with the midfielder could make any future pursuit considerably more complicated. The proposed €500 million release clause would provide the Spanish club with substantial protection against potential approaches from rival teams.

Such a clause would also strengthen Barcelona’s negotiating position should another club attempt to secure Bernal’s services before the end of his proposed contract.

The Spanish giants are determined to protect the futures of their emerging talents as they continue building a squad capable of competing for domestic and European honours. Securing Bernal’s long-term commitment would represent another step in that strategy.

For Chelsea and Arsenal, the reported development could prompt both clubs to reassess their interest in the midfielder or consider alternative targets in the transfer market.

Although an agreement has reportedly been reached, the deal remains subject to Bernal’s signature and Barcelona’s official confirmation.

If completed as expected, the contract would keep the young midfielder at the Spotify Camp Nou until 2031, underlining the club’s confidence in his potential and their determination to retain him for the long term.

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