O’Rourke: Arsenal line up ‘Sensational’ new signing that wouldn’t go down well at Man City
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Credit: Imago Fri 24 April 2026 17:30, UK Bernardo Silva is admired by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta but looks set to move abroad when he leaves Manchester City.Silva revealed last week that he will bring down the curtain on his nine-year spell at the Etihad Stadium at the end of this season.The 31-year-old has won countless trophies at City, and displayed his class once more as they emerged victorious in a potentially title-deciding clash against Arsenal last weekend.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Gunners boss Arteta would be open to signing Silva this summer, but a move is not on the cards.Arsenal’s transfer plans are set to involve signing a midfielder to bolster their depth after relying on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi for the majority of this season. 🔄 Arsenal Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Emirates boardroom. VISIT THE ARSENAL TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Bernardo Silva would snub move to Arsenal after long spell at Man CitySources have told Football Insider that Man City want an experienced replacement for Silva as he aims to go out on a high by beating Arsenal to the Premier League title.
The Gunners have signed the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City in the past, but the Portugal star will not be ending up at the Emirates Stadium this summer.Appearances33Goals2Assists4Successful passes per 9060.4Successful pass percentage90%Chances created per 901.54Defensive contributions per 907.98Silva’s 2025-26 PL statsSpeaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think it’s more likely he moves abroad. I don’t think it would go down very well at Manchester City if Silva was to leave and to go to Arsenal.
Obviously, Mikel Arteta knows all about Bernardo Silva having worked with him, but yeah, I don’t see any chance of him making the move to the Emirates.”Arsenal plan to sign Kai Havertz replacementHavertz scored as Arsenal lost 2-1 to City last weekend, but has seen his game time limited this season due to injury and form issues.The German has been converted to a striker by Arteta over the last few seasons, but has only netted five goals in 19 appearances this season.Sources have told Football Insider that Arsenal want to replace Havertz with a new striker signing this summer.Viktor Gyokeres is set to be retained after a relatively strong debut campaign at the Emirates, while Jesus could also move on. 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Emirates Stadium.