According to a report from Express, Arsenal might unexpectedly pursue Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva in a shock move. It has been mentioned that Bernardo’s new contract, signed in August and running until 2026, includes a £50 million release clause, grabbing the attention of Mikel Arteta.
Arteta aims to secure Arsenal’s first Premier League title since 2004, and Bernardo’s availability has intrigued him. The report also mentions interest from Barcelona, Benfica, and Paris Saint-Germain in the talented Portuguese player.
Bernardo Silva’s Exceptional Performance For Manchester City So Far This Season
Lately, Bernardo Silva has been showcasing outstanding form at the Etihad Stadium, consistently delivering remarkable performances, particularly in away games. The talented Portuguese player has left a mark with four goals and three assists in nineteen appearances for Manchester City across various competitions this season.
Originating from Lisbon, Silva has proven his worth as a top-tier player, maintaining an average of 1.9 tackles, 0.3 interceptions, 0.9 shots, 2.0 key passes, and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League matches. Notably, his passing accuracy is impressive, boasting an outstanding 89.9% completion rate in top-flight football (statistics sourced from whoscored).
Will Guardiola Sanction His Exit To A Rival Club?
Silva, the gifted Portuguese midfielder, has been an instrumental figure at Manchester City since his arrival in 2017. His technical prowess, vision, and versatility have made him a key asset in Guardiola’s squad. However, recent reports have hinted at a possible departure.
The intrigue surrounding Silva’s potential move stems from various factors, not least being his current form and importance to City’s setup. Despite occasional dips in playing time, Silva has consistently showcased his quality on the field, contributing significantly in crucial matches. His adaptability across midfield positions and knack for turning games in City’s favor have made him a valuable asset.
Yet, amid these commendable performances, the emergence of a purported £50 million release clause in Silva’s contract has sparked interest from several clubs, including Arsenal. While it’s common for players to switch between clubs, transfers between direct competitors sometimes raise eyebrows due to potential repercussions on the field and within the fanbase.
However, Arsenal might attempt to entice him to North London similarly to how Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus made previous switches. Guardiola has maintained a steadfast stance on players seeking to leave the Etihad, asserting that he won’t obstruct them. Given this, if Arteta opts to pursue a move, a deal is highly probable to materialize.
