Arsenal are exploring the idea of signing Bernardo Silva from Manchester City in the current shop window

Mikel Arteta and the club entered the 2021 summer transfer window with few priorities. Signing an attacking midfielder was one of them.

Even though they have signed none until now, things will be expected to gain pace in the next few weeks. A number of names across Europe have been linked to the North London outfit.

After Martin Odegaard’s loan ended, there was a clear belief among staff at Arsenal, that Mikel Arteta wanted the Norwegian captain back but a move could be unlikely given Real’s long term plans for the player

However, Real Madrid are trying to refresh their squad ahead of the new campaign, and new manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly set to be open to idea of letting Odegaard leave in order to raise funds for fresh additions to the squad.

Arsenal explore Bernardo Silva transfer as alternative to James Maddison | @TomHopkinsonhttps://t.co/rh44FpsRME pic.twitter.com/AvatQplYpk

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) August 7, 2021

The 22-year-old’s situation can be explored at the 11th hour in the transfer window if the Gunners fail to land their other midfielder targets.

James Maddison is another name that has been thrown in the ring. However, the Englishman’s price tag, thought to be upwards of £60million, is proving to be a sticking point for the London club.

Reports emerged earlier in the week that Arsenal had offered several players such as Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and even Joe Willock, but the Foxes only prefer a cash-only offer.

It remains to be seen how things will pan out with Maddison, a player adored by the Gunners faithful and who would welcome him with open arms if he makes the switch to the Emirates Stadium.

The most recent, high-profile name, that has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal is Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva. Before the Blues’ Community Shield match against Leicester on Saturday, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that the Portuguese international wants to leave Etihad Stadium, four years after joining them from French club Monaco in a £43m.

Silva has been one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League since his switch to England

Going to miss Bernardo Silva. Special player pic.twitter.com/BXnrx2NrQk

— ⚡️🇧🇼 (@Priceless_MCI) August 4, 2021

“Not just Bernardo, there are two, three, or four players that want to leave. But they are our players under contract and when they bring some offer and their agents come here and they want to leave we are open to discuss absolutely everything.”

The Spaniard tactician continued, “But it depends on them.”

“Otherwise, they will continue training really well, they will stay here and I will decide if they stay or don’t stay.

“The players who want to leave know the door is open because we don’t want anyone here unsatisfied but they have to bring someone. Otherwise, they will stay here.”

Acquiring the services of Bernardo Silva might prove to be more straightforward and economical for Arsenal in the current window. City wants to show Silva the door due to Jack Grealish’s arrival and the midfielder willingly wants to get past the door.

And that might work out perfectly for Arsenal. But the club’s hierarchy should be careful in tempering their hopes of signing the 26-year-old.

Also Read : Why Arsenal Trying to Balance the Books By Selling £25m Midfielder Might Just Backfire

Despite being a very good playmaker, Silva is almost 27-years-old. The midfielder will command a high salary and hefty transfer fee. Thus, the club should weigh the pros and cons of landing the Portuguese in London. The only obstacle to this is that reports citing Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida (via Mirror) indicate that the player himself might not be open to move to the Emirates because he does not see this as a step in the right direction for his career. Can’t really blame him there.

Maddison is two years and three months younger than Silva and will certainly command a greater fee if Arsenal decides to cash in on him in 3-4 years’ time so even from Arsenal’s perspective, a move for the Englishman seems more likely.

It will be intriguing to see who the Gunners eventually end up landing before the transfer window concludes on the 31st of August.

Arsenal fans have overseen little activity in their reported “summer overhaul.” But that will be expected to change, as the transfer window’s clock slowly ticks down.

Follow ArseDevils for all the latest Arsenal transfer news and updates.