Bernardo Silva had an uncertain future at Manchester City after Barcelona showed an interest, but Pep Guardiola made it clear that the 27-year-old wouldn’t be sold this summer. Silva has wanted out of City for 12 months but was convinced to stay in 2021 by Guardiola and won’t be allowed to leave now.
Despite this, l’Equipe believe the Sky Blues have Lucas Paqueta on their list of potential replacements for the Portuguese international if he’s sold. Paqueta reportedly turned down a new deal and is keen to move on this summer. Olympique Lyonnais have suffered a financial crisis that is forcing Jean-Michel Aulas to cash in on valuable assets, so Paqueta could be offloaded.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
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4th
5th or lower
The Brazilian international joined Olympique Lyonnais on a five-year deal from AC Milan in 2020 and has gone on to make 76 appearances in all competitions, scoring 20 goals with 13 assists.
Paqueta is coming off the back of an impressive campaign, netting 10 goals with seven assists from 42 games across the board last season, so it’s easy to see why City, Arsenal and Newcastle United are keen.
Silva is unlikely to be sold due to his importance for City, however, so a move for the £33.6m-rated Paqueta doesn’t appear to be on the cards.