Just in – AS Roma set sights on Barcelona midfield gem; Real Betis also keen | OneFootball

After having his debut season get cut short by a gruesome ACL injury, Barcelona youngster Marc Bernal is fit again and has been working hard in pre-season.

The 18-year-old gem was one of the revelations of the pre-season last summer and soon embedded himself into the starting XI under Hansi Flick.

However, an ACL injury in only his third competitive appearance for the first team ended his campaign.

Now, having worked through his rehabilitation, Bernal is fit again and is raring to go. However, it appears that the La Masia gem has found admirers in the ongoing transfer window.

AS Roma interested in Bernal

Indeed, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, AS Roma have taken a keen interest in signing Marc Bernal from Barcelona this summer.

The Giallorossi, headed by new manager Gian Piero Gasperini, are looking to strengthen their options in the centre of the park and have turned their attention to the 18-year-old La Masia jewel.

On Roma’s radar. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The report even goes as far as saying that contacts have already been made between the two clubs to explore the possibility of a transfer.

Meanwhile, closer to home, Real Betis are also said to be interested in signing Bernal from Barcelona this summer.

Despite the rumours, it would be safe to assume that Barcelona will not sell the young midfield rising star in the ongoing window.

Seen as one of the key pieces of Flick’s setup, Bernal is expected to have a big role in the team once he is eased back into action and recovers his full rhythm after almost a year out of action.

Bernal, who turned 18 in May this year, has already agreed to a new long-term contract with Barcelona, with the official signing the only thing pending. So, there is simply no way an exit can materialise this summer.