From Brazil: Arsenal and Barcelona battling to sign Manchester City star on free transfer

Report: Barcelona and Arsenal in for Bernardo

According to ESPN Brasil’s Bruno Andrade, Barcelona and Arsenal are emerging as possible destinations for the Portuguese midfielder. Silva is said to understand that he still has a place at a high level and prioritises remaining with a competitive team on the continent.

Arsenal are monitoring the situation but the possibility is seen as more remote. The Manchester City captain has already made it clear that he does not intend to transfer to the middle East at this time of his career.

His priority is to remain in European football in an environment that allows him to maintain his level of competitiveness. The final decision, however, will be made calmly: Silva plans to wait for the FIFA World Cup before defining the next step in his career.

A return to Benfica, the club he openly supports and is a member of, is also not in his short-term plans. The idea of ​​ending his career in Lisbon remains a personal desire but it’s something for the future, not for the upcoming transfer window.

How are Man City preparing for life after Silva?

Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana is prioritising the signing of a world-class midfielder in the summer as they lead the race to sign Nottingham Forest and England superstar Elliot Anderson.

Juventus set for fresh talks to sign out-of-contract Manchester City star this summer

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali are also on the shortlist as Manchester City look to bolster their midfield amid hopes to tie down Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a fresh, long-term contract.

The Blues are likely to receive transfer interest for Nico Gonzalez, who has struggled for minutes in the presence of Rodri this season but raised his stock with a stupendous FA Cup semi-final winner against Southampton at Wembley last week.

City will sign at least one new midfielder in the summer and outgoings as well as contract talks with Rodri will determine how they go from there as Viana and co progress their revamp of Guardiola’s squad.