Barcelona and Arsenal are among the clubs monitoring the availability of Manchester City player, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Bernardo Silva has confirmed that he will depart when his contract expires in June, bringing an end to a glittering spell at the Etihad Stadium.
After nearly a decade of success, the Portugal international has decided the time is right for a fresh challenge away from the Sky Blues.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed a highly decorated career under Pep Guardiola since arriving from AS Monaco in 2017 for £43m.
During his time in Manchester, Silva has been central to the club’s domestic dominance, collecting six league titles and playing a key role in a historic treble-winning campaign.
Despite that success, Silva is now preparing to move on, citing personal and family considerations behind his decision.
His departure is expected to attract widespread interest, with leading European sides already assessing the possibility of securing his signature ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Reports from Brazil, including those by journalist Bruno Andrade, suggest that Barcelona and Arsenal are currently among the most likely destinations.
Silva is believed to feel he can still perform at the highest level and is keen to remain in a competitive European environment.
While Arsenal are keeping a close eye on developments, their chances are viewed as less certain.
Silva, who currently captains Manchester City, has already ruled out a move to the Middle East at this stage of his career. Instead, his focus remains firmly on top-level European football, where he can continue to compete for major honours.
He is expected to take his time before making a final decision, with indications that he may wait until after the FIFA World Cup to determine his next move.
That measured approach reflects both his experience and his desire to carefully choose the right environment for the next phase of his career.
A return to Benfica — the club he supports and maintains close ties with — is not currently under consideration.
Although Silva has previously expressed a desire to eventually finish his career in Lisbon, such a move is seen as a longer-term ambition rather than an immediate option.
City planning for midfield reshuffle
With Silva preparing to leave, Manchester City are already working on plans to reinforce their midfield. Sporting director Hugo Viana is understood to be targeting a high-profile addition in the summer window.
Among the names linked is Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, with City reportedly leading the pursuit of the England international.
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Other options under consideration include Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
The club are also keen to secure the long-term future of Rodri, the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder who remains central to Guardiola’s system.
Talks over a new contract are expected as City aim to maintain stability in a key area of the squad.
Meanwhile, there could be movement elsewhere in the midfield. Nico Gonzalez has found opportunities limited due to Rodri’s presence but recently enhanced his reputation with a decisive FA Cup semi-final goal against Southampton at Wembley.
As the summer window approaches, Silva’s next move is set to be one of the most closely followed stories, with Europe’s elite clubs weighing up the chance to sign a proven winner on a free transfer.
