Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes that losing Bernardo Silva would significantly damage Manchester City’s Premier League title bid.
City completed a historic treble last season, and the Portuguese midfielder played a key role in the achievement.
Bernardo is one of the first names on Pep Guardiola’s team sheet, but the 28-year-old is being linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.
The attacker – who City signed from Monaco for around £44m in 2017 – has expressed an interest in leaving the club in each of the past three summers.
Bernardo is keen to play somewhere with a warmer climate, something the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal are all willing to help him with.
Guardiola is reluctant to let the Portuguese star go, especially following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan.
Bernardo’s exit would help Arsenal’s cause
After losing out to City in the Premier League title race last season, former Arsenal defender Ray Parlous believes Bernardo’s departure would be good news for the Gunners.
“I’m hoping Arsenal can stop Manchester City from retaining their title. They are the big favourites to win it, which I understand because they have so much quality in their squad,” Parlour told jbi training.
“It looks like they will be a couple of midfielders short. Gundogan has joined Barcelona and there a lot of rumours about Bernardo Silva leaving, which would be a big loss for them.
“Arsenal has to believe that they can beat them. I’m sure Liverpool will be stronger next season. They had a lot of injuries last season, but have added the signing of Mac Allister, who is a good player.
“I think it will be interesting to see what Newcastle do. They will be investing in their squad every year from now on, probably not at the levels of Manchester City, but they will strengthen.
“Out of all the teams, I really think that Arsenal is the best-placed club to give them [City] a run for their money.
“Everyone will want to beat City, especially after they won the treble, which may make things a little bit more difficult for them.”
