The summer of 2022 has been a rare one for Manchester City in terms of the key outgoings that have already taken place.
For starters, former club captain Fernandinho left the Etihad Stadium after a decorated nine-year spell in favour of a move to Athletico Paranaense.
Raheem Sterling, who has been the side’s top scorer during Pep Guardiola’s regime at City also decided to join Chelsea.
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Gabriel Jesus, who only sits behind Sergio Agüero and Raheem Sterling as one of the Sky Blues’ highest goal-scorers during the Catalan's time at the helm has reunited with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, a crucial cog in the Sky Blues’ four Premier League title wins in the past six seasons has also accompanied the Brazilian to sign on the dotted line for the North Londoners.
Another name that has been widely reported to join this list of major departures is Bernardo Silva.
Ever since last summer, the Portuguese international has been tipped for a switch to Barcelona.
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While the deal seemed increasingly possible at the time, a COVID-stricken market meant the Spanish side as well as other interested suitors did not have the financial muscle to afford the in-demand maestro’s services.
However, the Catalan giants reportedly eye him as the ideal successor to Frenkie de Jong, who looks set to join Chelsea this summer.
It has been stated that Xavi is a huge admirer of Silva’s talents, and is keen on him replacing the potentially outgoing Dutch midfielder.
As the speculation around the former Monaco star’s future grows day by day, a fresh update reveals the Premier League champions’ views about the rumoured interest.
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According to a report by Paul Hirst of the Times, Manchester City will not sell Bernardo Silva to Barcelona unless they receive a sizable offer.
Additionally, City remain sceptical about the La Liga side’s ability to stump up a significant offer to sign the revered midfielder, given their much-discussed financial difficulties.
These revelations align with the credible Jack Gaughan of the Mail’s insight into how the Sky Blues will only sanction Silva’s sale, if they happen to receive a sum north of £80 million.
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It was also reported that even if the club were open to sell the four-time Premier League champion, they would only do so if they lined up a replacement in time.
While it seems rather clear that Silva would be willing to join Barcelona, a move from Manchester to Catalonia seems improbable for the player this season.
Silva was on the bench last Sunday, but is usually a regular starter for Guardiola.
City are looking to make it back-to-back victories against Bournemouth on Saturday and the Portuguese midfielder will likely play a major role.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Barcelona, Bernardo Silva, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours