Transfer News: Arsenal, Manchester City open talks for Bernardo Silva

Manchester City and Arsenal are discussing a deal for attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva, although there is no fee mentioned.

According to Portuguese transfer specialist Pedro Almeida, Arsenal and Manchester City are locked in talks for the transfer of Bernardo Silva. The tweet does not indicate a fee or if the clubs are close to agreeing to a deal.

Attacking midfield is an important area for Arsenal to strengthen, and the Gunners have explored plenty of options without any success. Their priority was to extend Emile Smith Rowe’s contract and search for a player to replace the departed Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian made a mark during his six-month loan last season.

Before Smith Rowe’s introduction and Odegaard’s arrival, Arsenal were found lacking in the creative areas, with chances coming at a premium. Initially thought of as competition for each other, the duo played together in most games, and the Norwegian’s departure created a void in the squad that needed to be sorted out.

There have been strong links to James Maddison, but Leicester City’s asking price proving difficult for the Gunners. Lyon’s Houssem Aouar is also available at a much cheaper fee, although Arsenal’s interest is not as strong as last summer. The other alternative is Bernardo Silva.

Pep Guardiola announced the Portuguese’s intention to leave the club if a viable offer arrives, and Arsenal are among the few clubs trying to sign him. Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are also reportedly in the race for the attacker, but if he chooses to remain in England, the Gunners might be a good option.

Manchester City have already signed Jack Grealish for £100 million from Aston Villa and have an excess of attacking midfielders within their squad. The club are hoping to generate funds for further activity, with Harry Kane notably linked with a move to the Etihad.

Mikel Arteta knows the player well after coaching him as the assistant to Guardiola. He might swerve the Portuguese towards the Emirates, and Silva falls in the profile of players the manager is looking for.

A transfer becomes more logical if the transfer fee involved is relatively lower than that of Maddison. While the Leicester star has age on his side, Silva holds the experience and plenty of winners’ medals at only 27 years old. Either star will be good for the Gunners. If the report of talks between both clubs is genuine, it still could just be to determine the terms of the deal.

There is no mention of an asking price from Man City’s end, nor is there a mention of how much Arsenal are willing to pay. In any case, Silva is one name that would make any fan base excited, although we suspect the price will likely be closer or even more than the £60 million the Foxes are demanding for Maddison.