Why Kylian Mbappe could impact Man City’s summer transfer plans - with two big departures ‘expected’

Manchester City may be forced to reconstruct their midfield at the end of the season.
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Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe could play a big role in Manchester City’s summer transfer plans, according to reports.

The Sun claim the influential Frenchman will try and bring Bernardo Silva to PSG this summer given the good relationship between the pair from their time at Monaco. The outlet adds Mbappe ‘will urge them [PSG] to make a renewed bid to land him [Silva] when the summer window opens.”

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The City midfielder was heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad last summer, with Barcelona making no secret of their desire to sign the Portugal international. Pep Guardiola admitted in the latter stages of the window that he was not sure whether Silva would remain with the club, following an interview with ESPN in August when the 28-year-old heavily implied he would like to leave.

“My relationship with the club is very honest,” he said. “I’ve been open with them and they know what I want. If I stay, I’m very happy, and I will always respect this club and give all my best. If not, it’s football and we’ll just see what happens.”

Silva’s contract expires in 2025 and City may opt to cash in on him this summer, and potentially reinvest some of that fee into building a new midfield. Ilkay Gundogan could also leave, with his deal at the Etihad up at the end of the season, and a recent report from BBC journalist Jordan Elgott claimed the German looks likely to move on, while he ‘expects’ Silva to also depart.

That would leave City with just three senior midfielders in Kalvin Phillips, Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne, and heavy investment would be needed to reshape the Blues’ midfield. Silva has established himself as an integral player for Guardiola, and he’s only missed two matches so far this season. From his 29 appearances, the former Monaco and Benfica man has contributed two goals and five assists.