European giants plot damaging Man City raid for duo Guardiola desperately wants to keep
Paris Saint-Germain want to sign Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan this summer, according to reports.
Pep Guardiola is keen on keeping both players for another season. But, their departures are now looking increasingly likely.
Indeed, as reported by Football365, Silva has already ‘told his friends’ that the Champions League final on Saturday will be his last game for Man City.
This represents a great opportunity for the Portugal international to sign off in style. In the semi-finals against Real Madrid, Silva netted an impressive brace at the Etihad to book the Cityzens spot in the final.
Overall, Silva has made 54 appearances across all competitions this season. In the process, he has scored seven goals and made eight assists.
The dynamic 28-year-old has played a major role in a potentially treble-winning season. But, he is keen to take on a fresh challenge elsewhere.
It’s no secret that PSG are interested in signing the Portugal international. Manager Christoph Galtier has previously described Silva as an ‘interesting’ player and hailed his performance against Madrid last month.
The French giants are now expected to launch an official bid for Silva. But, they will wait until after the Champions League final. Man City will reportedly demand around £70m for the Portuguese star’s services.
Now, Gundogan could potentially follow Silva to the Parc des Princes this summer. This is according to French outlet L’Equipe, who claim that the midfielder is on PSG’s transfer shortlist.
Gundogan’s contract at Man City is set to expire this month. Guardiola has already offered the Germany international an extension, but, so far, an agreement is yet to be reached.
Therefore, unless something changes, he will be available on a free transfer this summer.
L’Equipe’s report adds that Arsenal and Barcelona also have an interest in Gundogan. So, he looks set to join another elite club.
The 32-year-old was Guardiola’s first signing at Man City, back in 2016. Since then, the midfielder has made 303 appearances for the Cityzens, scoring 60 goals and making 40 assists.
In the process, he has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups. Gundogan was also awarded the captains armband at the start of the 2022/23.
Now, he has the opportunity to finish his Man City career with a historic treble, if he can help his team beat Inter Milan on Saturday.
Unless, of course, Guardiola does convince Gundogan to sign a new contract at the Etihad in the eleventh hour.
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