Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City when his contract expires this summer after nine trophy-laden seasons at the Etihad. Atletico Madrid have accelerated their pursuit and are now the frontrunners, with the player himself attracted to the project under Diego Simeone in La Liga.
The absence of a transfer fee gives Atletico a significant financial advantage over rival suitors including Juventus and Barcelona. Silva, who won six Premier League titles and the Champions League with City, is expected to make a final decision on his future in the coming days.