Manchester City star eager to join Barcelona despite PSG interest - Reports
Manchester City superstar Bernardo Silva is eager to join Barcelona despite interest from French juggernauts Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), according to Spanish publication SPORT.
Both teams have been long-term admirers of the Portuguese playmaker, with PSG even making a bid last summer. Surprisingly, he committed his immediate future to City, signing a contract extension until 2026.
The Blaugrana have been linked with other midfielders as well, including Joshua Kimmich and Aleix Garcia. However, they have seemingly received a great boost in their attempt to sign Silva in the upcoming transfer window.
According to journalist Gerard Romero, the attacking midfielder is reportedly eager to join Barcelona, and his representatives seem to be lobbying for a move in the summer.
It is also being reported that Silva is ready to take reduced wages, which could be crucial for Barca's pursuit of his services.
The Catalans are still entangled in a complex financial situation, with the club said to be needing to generate a lot of revenue in the summer to balance their books. Stars like Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha could be on the way out to help stabilize the club's fiscal position.
Barcelona are also reportedly likely to push for the sales of unsettled players like Ansu Fati, Sergino Dest and Oriol Romeu in the summer alongside the aforementioned superstars.
Real Madrid surprisingly enters race against Barcelona, PSG for Bernardo Silva, Arsenal out - Reports
In a surprising turn of events, Spanish giants Real Madrid have reportedly entered the Bernardo Silva race, showcasing an interest in signing the player in the summer.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is open to the idea of signing Bernardo as a replacement for legendary outgoing midfielder Luka Modric.
They are reportedly looking to capitalize on Barcelona's financial woes and swoop in at the last moment to seal a transfer for Bernardo. He would only add to their world-class midfield stars galaxy, including Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos.
Silva's release clause of just £50 million (€58 million) is enticing, drawing attention from all the top clubs in Europe. However, one club that is certainly not winning the race for his services is Arsenal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
In an exclusive with CaughtOffside, the Italian said that the player was inclined towards a move abroad, and Manchester City are also unlikely to sell him to a Premier League rival. He said:
"Sorry to disappoint any Arsenal fans who had got their hopes up, but I have zero information on Arsenal and Bernardo so far, to be honest... Obviously Man City don’t want Bernardo to stay in the Premier League and play for one of their rivals. My expectation for Bernardo, if he does leave City this summer, is to go abroad."