Sources: Man City ready to sign new attacker after Pep Guardiola green light
Man City will be in the market for a new attacking midfielder if Bernardo Silva leaves the club this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (3 July) that City are growing more and more pessimistic about the possibility of keeping Silva, 28, at the club.
It is believed the attacking midfield star has a “mind-boggling” offer on the table from Saudi Arabia that even mega-rich Man City cannot compete with.
Ilkay Gundogan has already departed and been replaced with Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic, and Pep Guardiola has green-lit a similar process should Silva leave the club this summer.
The Citizens will dip into the market once again – with centre-back Josko Gvardiol also closing in on a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Silva currently earns a reported wage of £150,000-a-week on his contract at Man City – which runs until June 2025.
The 82-cap Portugal international notched 55 appearances across all competitions last term, managing seven goals and eight assists.
Silva joined the club in 2017 and has won five league titles, four League Cups, one FA Cup and one Champions League title at the Etihad Stadium.
City also have a wealth of youngsters who could take on the 28-year-old’s role.
Cole Palmer and James McAtee, who spent last season on loan with Sheffield United, would be the prime candidates to fill in for Silva should he depart.
However, Football Insider revealed on Monday (3 July) that several clubs are eyeing up loan and permanent moves for Palmer – with City unwilling to let him go permanently.
Phil Foden, who saw his opportunities limited in the second half of City’s treble-winning season, could also benefit from a big-money Saudi move for Silva.
In other news, Championship trio make moves to sign Man City star.