Man City set to move for Brazilian star if Bernardo Silva leaves this summer

Manchester City are reportedly set to move for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta if Bernardo Silva departs the Etihad this summer.

Silva has long been rumoured to be in favour of a move ‘closer to home’. Since 2021, the midfielder has been strongly linked to the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and even PSG as he looks for greener pastures.

The 29-year-old has two full seasons on his contract after extending with the club in the summer of 2023, but some reports have suggested the deal was done with the aim of moving him on in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Some outlets have suggested that Silva could follow former teammates Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte to the Saudi Pro League, but the Portugal international has reportedly long been keen to move closer to his home country.

Should he depart, City will reportedly turn their sights towards West Ham star Lucas Paqueta after failing to acquire the Brazilian in the summer, according to the Telegraph. The summer deal was curtailed by an FA investigation for potential betting-rule breaches.

Paqueta was valued at £80 million in the summer by the Hammers, but City could be keen on splashing the cash with the aim of revamping their midfield if Silva departs and leaves big hole in the centre of the park for Pep Guardiola.

West Ham paid £50 million for the former AC Milan and Lyon star, and will be keen on raking in a hefty profit if they are to part ways with one of their key players in the upcoming transfer window.

Meanwhile, Manchester City currently find themselves in the thick of another Premier League title race, sitting four points behind league leaders Liverpool, but Pep Guardiola’s side do have a game in hand.

Next up for the Etihad outfit is a trip to the south coast to square off with a new-look Bournemouth side who are winless in their last five games.

A win at the Vitality Stadium would bring the Blues to within one point of Liverpool, who will be preoccupied with the League Cup final clash with Chelsea on Sunday.