From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City continue firm Bernardo Silva transfer stance with ‘crucial’ new factor

Manchester City remain intent on keeping Bernardo Silva at the club for another season despite ongoing transfer interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

The Portugal international started Manchester City’s FA Community Shield loss to Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, with the 28-year-old scoring the Blues’ only penalty during the shoot-out.

Cole Palmer’s sublime 77th minute strike looked set to be the winning goal in North London, however Arsenal equalised in the 101st minute after Leandro Trossard’s deflected effort.

Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker both started for Manchester City, despite the pair being linked with potential departures from the Etihad Stadium during the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.

Bayern Munich continue to pursue a deal for Walker, meanwhile both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona remain interested in Silva.

The midfielder is preparing to embark on his seventh season at the Etihad Stadium, having moved to Manchester City from AS Monaco in 2017 for £43 million.

Silva penned a new long-term contract until 2025 in 2019, and has won 14 trophies with the Sky Blues since moving to the Premier League from Ligue 1.

The 28-year-old has made 307 appearances for Manchester City, and scored twice against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg, last season.

Pep Guardiola has already lost senior duo Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez this summer, and as a result, is standing firm in regards to the future of Silva.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City have informed PSG and Barcelona that they have ‘no intention’ of negotiating a deal for Silva at any condition, and are even preparing a new contract for the 28-year-old.

City have been ‘strong’ and ‘clear’ according to the journalist, who further reports that Silva’s position will be ‘crucial’ when seeking to agree an improved deal.

Silva featured in 55 matches for Manchester City last season but has remained coy regarding his future ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking in June, the midfielder said: “I’ll be very honest, I don’t know, we’ll see in the next few days.”

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