Barcelona are trying to ensure that a move for Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva comes to fruition this summer, according to a new report.
While a number of key players have departed the Etihad Stadium this summer, Manchester City fans have found solace in the fact that top drawer replacements have also come in through the door.
For instance, Fernandinho’s exit after an illustrious nine-year spell in sky blue was seen as a major blow.
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However, City replaced their midfield general with one of the Premier League’s finest anchors as Kalvin Phillips arrived from Leeds United.
Entering the final year of their Manchester City contracts, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling left for Arsenal and Chelsea respectively.
However, the versatile Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland look set to rejig Pep Guardiola's strike starting from this weekend against West Ham in City's Premier League opener at the London Stadium.
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City are still expected to sign a new left-back before the transfer window shuts after allowing Oleksandr Zinchenko to depart for Arsenal.
In the case of Bernardo Silva’s future, the worries amongst the Etihad faithful are palpable as it could prove next to impossible to find a suitable replacement for one of Guardiola's most crucial players.
After all, it seems like Barcelona have come calling for the Portugal international once again after Silva enjoyed what many would deem to be his finest campaign in Manchester City colours.
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The Blaugrana are said to be willing to sanction a sale for Frenkie de Jong - who has been heavily linked with a sensational switch to Old Trafford - with Silva touted to be the ideal successor for the Dutchman.
Xavi is believed to be a huge admirer of Bernardo Silva, who joined City from AS Monaco for £43 million in 2017.
Despite their worrying financial troubles, Barcelona could yet pull off what would be arguably the signing of the summer if they prove successful in landing Silva from Manchester City.
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According to the latest information provided by Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are working on a deal to sign Bernardo Silva.
It was revealed recently that the La Liga club had activated their third economic lever, which could potentially fund a move for the Manchester City star.
Since the beginning of the window, Barcelona have employed a similar strategy to finance the high-profile arrivals of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.
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In addition, Chelsea have seemed open to add Frenkie de Jong to their ranks, which is touted to be another factor that could help Barcelona afford Silva’s signature.
With a host of reports suggesting that Bernardo Silva is considering joining Xavi’s side, Manchester City’s policy of letting players open to leave for the right price could be in motion once again.
Pep Guardiola admitted ahead of his side's trip to West Ham he is not sure Bernardo Silva will be wearing sky blue when the transfer window closes on September 1.
Topics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Premier League, La Liga, Barcelona, Frenkie De Jong, Bernardo Silva, Pep Guardiola, Joan Laporta, Transfers
Srinivas Sadhanand