Pep Guardiola’s Premier League holders Manchester City could be one key attacking piece lighter this summer after star midfielder and Portuguese international Bernardo Silva has emerged as a prime transfer target for La Liga giants Barcelona.
It was reported two weeks ago by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano that Barça boss Xavi is a huge fan of Silva (27), with agent Jorge Mendes having already sat down with club president Joan Laporte in exploratory talks over a move to the Camp Nou.
Bernardo Silva situation. Barcelona are not yet in official talks with Man City, as it depends on de Jong sale – also, City want around €85/90m but Bernardo would be open to leave. 🇵🇹 #FCB
He was the main name discussed in meeting between Laporta & Mendes few days ago. ⤵️ https://t.co/5RFk0nsz73
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2022
Silva, one of the undeniable key pieces of the puzzle under Guardiola since his arrival from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in the summer of 2017, would be a massive acquisition for Barcelona as they look to track down bitter rivals Real Madrid next.
Any deal for Silva is said to potentially set Barcelona back a cool ~£80million should both clubs come to an agreement, with Silva open to the move as he looks to try his hand in La Liga.
But the Catalans would be unable to afford a move for Silva at the time of writing, and any deal for the Portuguese creative outlet would hinge on Dutch international Frenkie de Jong sealing a move to City rivals Manchester United as the Red Devils remain in the hunt to reunite the Ajax academy graduate with new boss Erik ten Hag.
Barcelona is also expecting French international winger Ousmane Dembélé to continue in his stance of not signing a contract extension at the Camp Nou amid interest from Chelsea, and even if he does not secure a move to Stamford Bridge, Bernardo Silva would present what would arguably be an upgrade on the Frenchman.
