Manchester City have intensified their interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, becoming the first club to make a concrete move for one of La Masia’s brightest prospects this summer.

According to SPORT, the Premier League giants have gone beyond simply monitoring the 19-year-old and have already sounded out the possibility of a deal.

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Notably, Arsenal and Chelsea have also been following Bernal’s progress, but City are understood to have taken the strongest interest so far.

The enquiry comes at a time when City are working on rebuilding their midfield.

With uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s future and changes expected elsewhere in the squad, Bernal has emerged as one of the profiles the club believe could fit their long-term project.

Manchester City see Bernal as the profile they need

Bernal’s development over the last year has established him as one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Spain.

Manchester City are interested in Bernal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

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His physical presence, composure in possession and ability to dictate the tempo have made him an attractive option for several Premier League clubs, with Manchester City now leading the race for his signature.

The report states that City’s sporting department believes Bernal has the attributes needed to thrive in the Premier League and view him as a player capable of becoming a key midfielder for years to come.

However, convincing Barcelona to negotiate will be extremely difficult.

This is because the midfielder has a contract until 2029 and has a €500 million release clause, leaving the Blaugrana in complete control of his future.

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At this stage, therefore, there is no indication that Barcelona are prepared to entertain offers.

Barcelona may speed up Bernal’s contract improvement

Barcelona have no interest in selling Marc Bernal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

While Barcelona are relaxed about Bernal’s contractual situation, they are aware that his rapid rise has changed his status within the squad.

Despite becoming an increasingly important player under Hansi Flick, Bernal remains one of the lowest-paid members of the first-team group.

Hence, the club had planned to open discussions over an improved contract after the transfer window closes, but the growing interest from England could force those talks to begin sooner.

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Meanwhile, it is important to note that Flick has enormous confidence in the academy graduate and considers him one of the biggest success stories of his time at Barcelona.

That faith makes it highly unlikely the club would even consider losing the midfielder.