In the midst of speculations linking Lionel Messi to a move away from Parc des Princes, it appears Paris Saint-Germain have already started looking for replacements, with Bernardo Silva emerging as a strong contender.
According to L’Equipe, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Silva wants to leave Manchester City in the coming summer. The Portuguese international has been flirting with the idea of leaving Etihad for a while now and was strongly linked with a move to Barcelona last summer.
Silva has won almost everything during his time at Manchester City and could potentially land the Champions League title this season. After years of success, he wants to seek a new adventure elsewhere, with PSG emerging as a potential destination.
As per the report, the Ligue 1 champions are strongly considering the idea of incorporating Silva into the squad, as a potential replacement for Messi.
Barcelona themselves had been eyeing a move for Silva, who is regarded as one of the favourites for Xavi Hernandez. The Barça coach wants the former AS Monaco starlet to accompany Pedri in the interior midfield position.
However, the Catalans are not in a position to make a move for Silva this summer, as the playmaker would attract a considerable transfer fee. While the player might not be as expensive as last summer, the club are still not in a position to finance the move.
Instead, Barça are capitalising on the pursuit of Messi. In light of their economic limitations, the club must seek permission from La Liga before they can approach the Argentine international, but it is clear that both parties want the deal to be completed in the near future.
Barcelona legend Thierry Henry has recently backed Barcelona to re-sign Messi, but amid offers from Saudi Arabia, only time will tell whether or not the club will be able to sanction the fabled return of their prodigal son to Camp Nou this summer.
