Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Bernardo Silva’s situation ahead of a possible move for the Manchester City star in the summer transfer window.
Just five days ago, Silva announced that this season would be his last with City, with the Portugal international set to bring down the curtain on a glittering nine-year spell at the Etihad.
Since arriving at City back in 2017, Silva has racked up 76 goals and 77 assists in 452 appearances under Pep Guardiola, proving an invaluable member of the dressing room while helping the club win 18 pieces of silverware.
The 31-year-old will be desperate to add a seventh Premier League trophy to that collection this term – and he did everything in his power to help City on their way with an extraordinary performance in the side’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the weekend.
It came a month on from another outstanding display from Silva against the Gunners, as the Portuguese lifted the Carabao Cup for a fifth time while wearing the captain’s armband at Wembley.
But while Silva is arguably playing the best football of his City career, his mind his made up and he will depart Manchester on a free transfer when his contract expires in June.
According to ESPN’s Bruno Andrade, Silva’s impending departure is ‘already causing a stir in the European transfer market’ and both Barcelona and Arsenal have emerged as potential destinations for the soon-to-be free agent.
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It’s claimed the Gunners are closely ‘monitoring’ Silva’s movements as they look to strengthen their midfield options and add greater experience to their squad for next season.
Mikel Arteta, of course, worked with Silva during his time as Guardiola’s assistant at City and would be keen to explore a proposed deal having previously coaxed Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to north London.
However, Arsenal’s chances of striking an agreement for Silva are seen as ‘remote’ given their intense rivalry with City.
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Barca, meanwhile, are said to ‘stand out as an option more aligned’ to Silva, able to offer the Lisbon-born midfielder an opportunity to stay at the top without upsetting his current employers.
Silva believes he ‘still has a place at a high level’ and the player is keen to remain with a ‘competitive’ team in Europe.
The report stresses that Silva has no plans to move to the Saudi Pro League as it stands. The same can be said for Benfica, the club where he made his first steps in professional football.
More to follow.