Bernardo Silva has not expressed a desire to leave Manchester City this summer amid heavy interest from Barcelona, according to a new report.
After being linked with a series of elite clubs across Europe last summer, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, the financial constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic made a potential deal difficult to come to fruition.
Manchester City hence emerged victorious in their bid to keep hold of the Portugal international, who was right up there with the most in-form midfielders in Europe last term.
The 27-year old’s sumptuous displays at the heart of Pep Guardiola's side were recognized by his fellow peers as he was named in the PFA Team of the Year.
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It was believed City's chances of convincing Bernardo Silva's chances to stay put would improve after Guardiola led the Blues to a fourth Premier League title in five seasons.
However, this summer has seen Barcelona renew their interest in the former AS Monaco star, who joined Manchester City for £43 million in 2017.
With Barcelona locked in negotiations over the sale of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United, it is understood Xavi would look to replace the Dutchman with Silva, who has three years remaining on his current contract at the Etihad Stadium.
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It has been widely stated that Bernardo Silva is open to the possibility of swapping Manchester for Catalonia this summer, though it remains to be seen if the Blaugrana can match City's hefty valuation of the Lisbon-born playmaker.
Moreover, Pep Guardiola is thought to be willing to allow Silva to leave should his former club cough up a fee in the region of £80 million.
Ahead of the new season, a majority of Manchester City fans have expressed their fears at the prospect of Guardiola losing one of his most crucial players.
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However, a new update has provide encouragement to City supporters - with Silva perhaps accepting the Etihad Stadium is the ideal destination for him as he approaches the peak years of his professional career.
As per the latest information provided by Spanish journalist Lu Martin, Bernardo Silva has not asked or even hinted at a Manchester City exit so far this summer.
This aligns with recent reports that have suggested Silva is keen on fulfilling the remaining length of time on his existing City contract.
In addition, Silva and his family have been reinforced by the belief that Pep Guardiola's style of play suits him most after an astounding campaign for the Portuguese in east Manchester.
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Things can change swiftly in football, hence only time will tell where Bernardo Silva’s future lies as Barcelona continue their long-drawn pursuit of the four-time Premier League winner.
However as things stand, a transfer away from City does not seem part of Silva's plans as he looks set to retain a focal role in Guardiola's setup into the new campaign.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Premier League, Barcelona, La Liga, Bernardo Silva, Pep Guardiola, Joan Laporta, Xavi, Frenkie De Jong, Manchester United, Transfers