Bernardo Silva has agreed to sign for Spanish giants this summer, according to reports in Spain.
The Manchester City midfielder reportedly wants to quit the Premier League side this summer for Barcelona, where he could be a replacement for Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong.
Silva was one of Pep Guardiola’s best players last season and played a key role in the club’s successful Premier League title defence.
The 27-year-old made 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 times, and was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year
But according to Spanish outlet SPORT via Sportbible, he wants to leave for Barcelona this summer as the Catalan La Liga side views him as a potential replacement for de Jong, who is on his way to City’s rivals Manchester United this summer.
The report also states that Silva has made it clear to his agent, Jorge Mendes, that he wants to join Barcelona.
But the Portuguese international still has a contract at the Etihad, as his current deal with the club runs until 2025. Pep Guardiola is keen to keep the midfielder and is unwilling to sanction a deal.
As a result, City have slapped a €100m (£86m) price tag on Silva to detract Barcelona. But Barcelona are hoping to reduce that asking price by as much as €40m (£34.4m).
A move for Silva could depend on whether they are able to raise funds from the potential sale of De Jong to Manchester United. The Old Trafford side remain in negotiations to sign the Netherlands international, who played under Erik ten Hag during their time together at Ajax.
According to reports, Barca and Man United are close to agreeing on a deal that could be worth up to €65m (£56m).
But even if Barcelona can raise the necessary funds, it remains to be seen whether City will part with Silva.
Silva has scored 48 goals in 249 games for the club since joining from Monaco in 2017.
Recently, Guardiola admitted he would not keep Silva against his wish should he seek to leave.
“I think he will stay,” said Guardiola.
“But as I have always said, since my time at Barca, I don’t want players that don’t want to be there.
“What I can say is that Bernardo is very important to us.”