Why Barcelona and Arsenal Could Be Eager to Make Bernardo Silva Their Next Signing

Speculation is intensifying that the Premier League may soon announce its sanctions against the club for alleged rule violations, while whispers suggest Pep Guardiola could be considering stepping down as manager.

Bernardo Silva to depart Man City this summer

Arguably the most significant event will be the departure of current captain Bernardo Silva.

The 31-year-old midfielder has confirmed that this season will mark the end of his tenure with the club, to which he has been an invaluable asset since his transfer from Monaco in 2017.

It’s hard to overstate the pivotal role the Portuguese player has played under Guardiola and within the team during his nine years at Manchester City.

Firstly, his durability is remarkable. In all but the 2020/21 season, he has participated in at least 33 matches in a 38-match Premier League season (with 32 appearances recorded in 2025/26 so far).

Leading in games and passes

As it stands, he has played a total of 444 games, starting 351 of those—figures that stand unrivalled.

His total playing time has reached 31,715 minutes, which is nearly 8,000 minutes more than his closest teammate, Kevin De Bruyne, who has logged 23,853 minutes.

With 74 goals scored and 74 assists provided across all competitions, this record highlights his exceptional quality at the elite level of football.

Additionally, he boasts an impressive pass accuracy of 89.4%, having completed 18,328 out of 20,501 attempts, and has successfully regained possession 1,577 times—only Rodri has managed more recoveries (2,068) during the same period.

With 566 total tackles made since arriving at the club, Silva leads the squad in this area, although Rodri, with 531 tackles, has a slightly superior success rate (60.3% to Silva’s 54.8%), a reflection of their differing playing styles.

A master of one-on-one duels

One aspect that often doesn’t receive enough attention is Silva’s tenacity both with and without the ball.

In addition to his elegant skills that set him apart, he’s also unafraid to confront opponents, as evidenced by his 113 progressive carries and 17 successful take-ons.

With 19 titles amassed since joining City (and the chance of two more on the horizon), Silva’s versatility is unquestionable. As he approaches 32 by the start of the 2026/27 season, he surely has several productive years left in him.

The pressing question is where he will end up next.

Unlikely move to Saudi Arabia

Despite the enticing financial packages from Saudi Arabia, it seems improbable that Silva will take that route. The two clubs currently linked with him as potential future clubs are Barcelona and Arsenal, each presenting unique opportunities.

Silva’s traits align perfectly with the physical demands and fast-paced nature of the Premier League. Partnering with players like Declan Rice would certainly enrich an Arsenal midfield that has dwindled this season.

However, the thought of him trading the North West for the capital seems unlikely, especially given the intense rivalry between Arsenal and City in recent years.

Barcelona, on the other hand, offers a sunnier environment, and the club is on the rise again, making it an attractive option for someone with Silva’s experience.

A free transfer opportunity not to be missed

The challenge for the Catalans is that their midfield is already well-filled, leaving little room for a player like Silva unless they plan to offload current squad members.

If he is willing to accept a role that involves regular rotation under Hansi Flick, a move could be feasible, but that would be a substantial concession for a player who quite clearly deserves a position in the starting eleven.

Of course, it’s possible Flick and sporting director Deco could see in Silva the missing piece to bolster the squad, which might imply that another player would have to exit.

It’s worth noting that whichever team he joins would secure him on a free transfer, so do either Arsenal or Barcelona really want to turn down such an opportunity?