Atletico Madrid will keep pushing to finalise deal for Barcelona target this week – report | OneFootball

Having said goodbye to Manchester City, it appears set that Bernardo Silva will be playing in Spain next season with both FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid vying to sign him.

The 31-year-old versatile midfielder will come as a free agent and bring with him valuable experience, leadership, and winning mentality, making him a highly-coveted target for both the Spanish giants.

Reports indicate that an agreement with Barça is already advanced, who are waiting on finalising one or two departures before confirming his signing.

Atletico Madrid believe otherwise

However, according to MARCA, Atletico Madrid remain determined to push through the signing of Silva by the end of this week.

Not long ago, those at the Metropolitano believed that the deal was well within reach but it has become more complicated following Barcelona’s emergence as a potential destination. Nevertheless, sporting director Mateu Alemany continues to pursue the transfer.

Atletico and Barcelona are fighting for Silva. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

In fact, some figures inside Atletico question the veracity of the Catalans’ pursuit of the Portuguese ace, believing that their interest is simply another consequence of the growing tension between the two clubs sparked by the Julian Alvarez saga.

Indeed, those at the Metropolitano suspect the links to Barça could simply be another strategic leak connected to the ongoing dispute over Alvarez, designed either to complicate Atleti’s negotiations or to drive up Silva’s salary demands before a deal can be completed.

Negotiations continue with Jorge Mendes

Negotiations with his agent, Jorge Mendes, were expected to reach a conclusion before the start of the World Cup. What Atlético did not anticipate was Barcelona entering the race at this stage. Despite that, the club has not given up.

Atletico will keep pushing. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Atletico’s strongest argument is that while Silva has never been a top priority at Barcelona, he would arrive in Madrid as one of the central figures of Diego Simeone’s project.

As such, Atletico are confident the positive response he gave to their initial approach remains unchanged.

Nonetheless, several other sources indicate that Silva has always dreamt of Barcelona and has an agreement in place, with Hansi Flick also approving the deal. So, it remains to be seen where the 31-year-old ends up.