Barcelona 'still keen on signing Bernardo Silva this summer'

Barcelona are reportedly in the running to sign Bernardo Silva this summer, with the attacker keen to leave Manchester City in search of a fresh challenge.

The Portugal international made the move to the Etihad Stadium from Monaco in July 2017, and he has represented the Citizens on 306 occasions, scoring 55 goals and registering 59 assists in the process.

Bernardo was again a vital player for Man City during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring seven goals and contributing eight assists in 55 appearances in all competitions.

The 28-year-old has another two years left to run on his contract in Manchester, but he is thought to be keen to leave the treble winners this summer for personal reasons.

Al-Hilal are currently being heavily linked with the attacker, and it is understood that the Saudi Arabian outfit are prepared to pay him £500,000 a week to move to the club.

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A recent report also claimed that Al-Hilal may be willing to pay as much as £59.8m for Bernardo, who is considering moving to Saudi Arabia in a big-money deal.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are still very much in the race for his signature despite the money that would be involved.

The report claims that Barcelona head coach Xavi views Bernardo as his leading target this summer, believing that he could help the team challenge for the Champions League next season.

The Catalan outfit are said to be keen to explore a deal which would see the Portuguese spend the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Camp Nou before arriving on a permanent basis next summer.

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Bernardo is said to favour a move to Barcelona over any other club, although it remains to be seen whether the La Liga champions can afford his signature.

The Catalan side have already made two signings this summer, bringing in Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez on free transfers from Man City and Athletic Bilbao respectively.

Barcelona will begin their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with a friendly against Juventus on July 22, while they will also take on Arsenal, Real Madrid and AC Milan during their pre-season.

Xavi's side won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup last season, but they again failed to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League before being eliminated in the Europa League knockout round playoffs.

Bernardo, meanwhile, helped Man City win the treble last season, with Guardiola's team securing the Premier League title, FA Cup crown and Champions League trophy during an excellent campaign.