Monaco Midfielder Bernardo Silva Expected To Sign With Manchester City

Benardo Silva reportedly traveled to Manchester City for a medical on Thursday night, and is expected to be the club’s first summer signing.

Manchester City set to sign Monaco’s Bernardo Silva

The 22-year-old midfielder has played with Monaco since 2014, though he spent his first year with the team on loan from Benfica, a club he joined in his home country of Portugal in 2013.

Although Manchester United had also been rumored to sign Silva, many reports — including one from Goal’s Sam Lee — claim the Portuguese star is likely next headed to manager Pep Guardiola‘s team.

United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho dispelled the rumors of Silva potentially coming to Old Trafford following the Red Devils’ 2-0 Europa League final victory over Ajax on Wednesday.

“Will Bernardo Silva be with us next season? I don’t think so, honestly. But you never know, good players are always welcome here,” he told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

According to ESPN FC, Silva’s deal with City could be worth up to £65 million ($83 million).

Silva has proven to be a key player for Monaco this season. The youngster scored the game-tying goal in the club’s 1-1 tie against CSKA Moscow in a Champions League group stage game in Russia in October 2016.

The midfielder also amazed Guardiola with stellar performances in both the home and away games in the Champions League round of 16 this season, from which Monaco eliminated City.

In January’ Silva scored Monaco’s last two goals in a 4-1 road victory over Marseille to lead his team to the top of the Ligue 1 standings for the first time since Week 5 of the current Ligue 1 season.

The Lisbon native has also played for Portugal’s U19, U21 and senior national teams.

Here are some of Silva’s highlights with Monaco from the past season:

According to ESPN, City are also interested in signing Silva’s teammate, Monaco defenseman Benjamin Mendy. The 22-year-old Frenchman also played a major role in Monaco’s Champions League victories over Guardiola’s team.

Mendy could be the next player to transfer to Etihad Stadium given that City are seeking defenders following the release of three full-backs: Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have emerged as City’s top rivals to sign Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, according to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News. 

“The German champions believe the Arsenal striker is intent on a move to the Allianz Arena and are prepared to offer him a deal worth £230,000 [$295,000] per week,” Robson reported.

Arsene Wenger’s team is reportedly countering with a £270,000 ($345,000) weekly offer in order to keep Sanchez. However, the 28-year-old Chilean — who joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2014 — is allegedly seeking a contract worth £300,000 ($384,000) a week.

Sanchez’s contract with the Gunners is set to expire in 2018, and has allegedly grown frustrated with negotiations for an extension with the club. He finished the 2016-2017 Premier League season with 24 goals and ten assists.

Arsenal next host Chelsea in the FA Cup Final on Saturday.

MONACO – NOVEMBER 22: Bernardo Silva of Monaco during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between AS Monaco FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Louis II Stadium on November 22, 2016 in Monaco, . (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)