Arsenal is reportedly expressing interest in securing the services of Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, who has frequently been linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium. While Barcelona and PSG have also shown admiration for the midfielder, the possibility of a move to the Premier League is not to be dismissed.
Arsenal has a history of engaging in transfer deals with their top-flight rivals, having previously welcomed Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City to join Mikel Arteta. The familiarity of most players in Pep Guardiola’s squad with the Spanish manager, who served as an assistant at the club for several years, could play a role in potential negotiations.
The presence of a release clause in Silva’s contract at City has caught the attention of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. The versatile playmaker committed to a new contract at the commencement of the season, and discussions led to the inclusion of a £50 million buyout clause, as reported by the Daily Star.
Although Arsenal had previously been linked with Silva, the 29-year-old is reportedly not in a rush to depart from City and aims to complete the season with the club, at the very least. Despite the existence of the buyout clause, any bids from potential suitors, including Arsenal, are deemed ‘pointless’ by Guardiola’s side, who have no intention of parting ways with their No. 20.
The inclusion of the buyout clause was a strategic move by City amid persistent transfer speculation surrounding Silva and the growing interest from other clubs. City wanted to avoid finding themselves in a situation where a cut-price sale became the only viable option.
While Arsenal remains in the picture, Silva’s former club Barcelona stands out as a prominent destination, leveraging the release clause as a specific valuation for potential negotiations in the upcoming transfer windows.
Another plausible option for Silva is a return to Benfica, his boyhood club, as he has openly expressed his desire to go back before concluding his football career. Although Silva’s initial stint with Benfica was brief, making only one league appearance before departing, he envisions a more extended tenure with the Portuguese club in the future.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the dynamics of Silva’s potential move will likely hinge on the strategic decisions of both player and club, with Arsenal’s interest adding an intriguing dimension to the evolving narrative surrounding the talented midfielder.
