Arsenal & Man Utd stunned by Bernardo Silva transfer revelation

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Jun 2024 15:16 BST
4 min read

Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva — © IMAGO

Bernardo Silva has revealed that he is trying his best to recruit Joao Neves for Manchester City.

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The Benfica youngster is one of Europe's most in-demand players right now. Thrust into the first team by Roger Schmidt following Enzo Fernandez's move to Chelsea in January 2023, Neves has since gone from strength to strength.

A part of Portugal's squad for Euro 2024, the 19-year-old midfielder has been the subject of intense transfer speculation since basically last summer, when Man Utd were already tentatively linked with him.

The association with the Red Devils has only become stronger in recent months, but there was something of a surprising twist recently when journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Arsenal, who had only been rarely linked with him up to that point, were probably the more serious about signing him.

Benfica will insist on his €120 million release clause being triggered and Man Utd, despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment, just don't have the money for it right now. However, despite the fresh links to Arsenal, there may yet be another surprise.

Silva wants Neves at City

That is because Portugal superstar Bernardo Silva has now revealed that he is trying to recruit his compatriot for Man City. Speaking to the media during his country's preparation for Euro 2024, the 29-year-old admitted to trying to turn Neves' head.

“I was telling him to come to Manchester City," Silva said. "It's not easy, he's a player that many clubs want because of the success he had last season. I don't have any inside information, but I think so, from what I hear. As a Portuguese and because he is someone I appreciate a lot, I would like to have him by my side. Take the best path."

"As for [City coach Pep] Guardiola, I don't need to convince him, because Joao Neves convinces with the way he works and the energy he gives. He convinces almost all coaches in the world. And he won't be a very cheap player, I imagine it won't be easy to get into the race for him. Let him make the best decision for himself, he has a very good future ahead of him.”