Manchester City have reportedly told key attacker Bernardo Silva that they are not prepared to sell him during this summer’s transfer window.
The Portugal international has been a vital player for the Citizens since arriving from Monaco in July 2017, representing the club on 306 occasions, scoring 55 goals and contributing 59 assists.
Bernardo played an important role in Pep Guardiola’s side winning the treble last season, managing seven goals and eight assists in 55 appearances in all competitions, but there has been widespread speculation surrounding his future during the current window.
The 28-year-old has another two years left to run on his current deal but has said on multiple occasions that he wants to leave Manchester for personal reasons.
Bernardo is said to be desperate to move closer to his family in Portugal, and both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with his services during the summer window.
Barcelona will find it difficult to sign the Portuguese this summer due to their financial problems, though, while PSG are unlikely to make any firm decisions until Kylian Mbappe’s future has been addressed.
There have also recently been suggestions of interest from Saudi Arabia in the shape of Al-Hilal, but the attacker is said to be determined to continue his career in European football.
A recent report claimed that Man City are hoping to come to an agreement with Bernardo over a new contract due to his importance to the club.
According to 90min, meanwhile, the club are standing firm when it comes to the playmaker’s future and have made it clear that they do not want to lose him.
The report claims that Man City are willing to make him one of the highest earners at the club alongside Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
However, Bernardo’s desire to seek pastures new is not based on money, with the player wanting to be closer to his family in the latter stages of his career.
Guardiola’s side have only made one signing so far this summer, with Mateo Kovacic arriving from Chelsea to boost their midfield department.
Ilkay Gundogan has moved on, joining Barcelona on a free transfer, while Riyad Mahrez and Kyle Walker are also being strongly linked with transfers to Saudi Arabia and Bayern Munich respectively.
Bernardo played 72 minutes of Man City’s pre-season clash with Bayern on Wednesday, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Champions League holders.
