Chris Sutton has claimed that reported Arsenal target Bernardo Silva should ‘clear off’ from Manchester City, as he told Stadium Astro.
Pep Guardiola recently claimed that Silva is one of a number of players who wants to leave the Etihad this summer and it seems Arsenal are one of the teams keen to snap up his talents.
Arsenal are looking for that creative mind to add to their final third, alongside the thriving stars Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
But given Silva’s situation at Man City, former Premier League winner, Sutton, thinks it’s time for him to leave, but he mad it clear that he is a ‘fantastic’ player.
“If Bernando Silva wants to play more then play better,” said Sutton. “Show the manager that you are better than your direct competition. It’s as simple as that.
“That’s the issue. When players are at a top club like Man City, the competition is so intense and so great.
“Listen, if Silva doesn’t want to be part of that and fight for his place then Pep is better off without him. I think he’s a fantastic player but he knows the game and knows the rules.
“If you are not good enough to get into the team then he will have to clear off and play somewhere else.”
Arteta and Silva would know each other very well after they worked alongside each other at the Etihad during his time at the club.
If the Spanish coach can use his influence to persuade Silva to join him at the Emirates then it would be some pull.
A number of years ago, Silva was winning the domestic treble with Man City and helping Portugal win the Euros.
At that time, he was showcasing performances that were ranking him amongst the best players in the world.
That form has dipped since then but that’s what happens when you set the bar so high and it seems as though if he is handed the minutes then he can reach those levels again.
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