Arsenal plan 'bargain' Bernardo Silva transfer as £51m January loan move prepared

Arsenal are Premier League league leaders on Christmas Day for the second successive year after avoiding defeat against Liverpool at the weekend. However, the Gunners' job is far from complete yet.

One game behind the half-way mark, Mikel Arteta's men are one point above Liverpool and Aston Villa and six above Manchester City — who did have a game in hand. So far, so good, but Arsenal have plenty to do yet.

And with the January transfer window opening in seven days' time, technical director Edu Gaspar will have his work cut out this winter with the chance to bolster Arteta's options for a vital second half of the season.

A centre-forward, holding midfielder and creative-minded attacker have all been tipped to be at the top of the wishlist and according to reports, a move for Manchester City star Bernardo Silva could be on the cards.

It's understood that the Gunners have the opportunity to sign the Portuguese international due to a release clause in his contract at the Etihad Stadium. The Daily Star are reporting that Silva has a £50million buyout which was added during negotiations with City.

Convincing Silva to leave the world champions will prove difficult, with the report indicating that any bids would be considered 'pointless' by City. The said buyout clause was only agreed amid speculation over his future previously.

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football.london's Josh Holland says: A move for Bernardo Silva would be perfect for Arsenal. We've seen the Gunners enjoy success with the purchases of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from their title rivals, Silva would elevate