Arsenal interest in Bernardo Silva faces new obstacle despite Mikel Arteta pedigree

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Wed 22 April 2026 16:00, UK Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could look to poach Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva when he leaves the Etihad at the end of the season.Arteta has previously signed both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus from Man City, and Silva could be next to make the switch from the Etihad to Emirates Stadium.Silva’s contract expires at Man City in the summer, and Arsenal have joined the race for his signature alongside his former club Benfica.The Portugal international would add title-winning experience to Arteta’s squad, with Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Man City last time out meaning the Gunners are likely to miss out on the Premier League once again.Arsenal have plans to bolster their squad this summer, and Silva could add another dimension to their midfield. 🔄 Arsenal Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Emirates boardroom. VISIT THE ARSENAL TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Bernardo Silva proves worth in Man City vs Arsenal clashESPN in Brazil report that Arsenal and Barcelona have emerged as “possible destinations” for the 31-year-old.Arsenal’s rivalry with Man City at the top of the Premier League table, and Silva’s nine-year stay at the club, makes a move to north London harder to achieve.Minutes Played90Accurate Passes90%Key Passes1Successful Dribbles50%Recoveries5Bernardo Silva’s stats for Manchester City against Arsenal.Silva though was a key figure during Man City’s win over Arsenal, proving that he still has the ability to be a game changer in the big matches.He also made five recoveries, won five ground duels and won two tackles throughout the game to stifle Declan Rice’s influence in the middle of the park.

Arteta needs to begin rotating his squad more often, and Silva would add to his squad depth as Christian Norgaard was once again left on the bench at Man City for the fourth successive fixture. Silva could replace Arsenal midfielder next seasonThe signing of a new midfielder, like Silva, could be more important if Arsenal sell captain Martin Odegaard this summer.Arsenal are expected to raise funds from player sales this summer, with Odegaard one star the club could potentially let go.Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Arsenal need to start working with the squad they’ve got and not make any more big money signings.The addition of Silva on a free transfer would certainly be budget-friendly for the Gunners, and the sale of Odegaard would free up sizeable space in the wage budget. 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium.

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