Manchester City are looking to make their mark once the January transfer window rolls around, and Pep Guardiola now has his eyes set on a statement signing.

Manchester City icon Bernardo Silva wanted by Benfica

Few players in Manchester City’s history could lay claim to the trophy haul or talent that Bernardo Silva has at his disposal. However, the Portugal international is at the centre of an intriguing storm involving his former club Benfica.

With the Primeira Liga giants set for their presidential elections next month, high-profile candidate Noronha Lopes has confirmed that there is a ‘contract waiting’ for the 31-year-old to sign should he win be installed at Estadio Da Luz.

“Yes, I confirm that there is a contract waiting for Bernardo Silva. And I really want to bring him already in January. He personifies everything I want for Benfica: identity, a winning culture, and he is a great Benfiquista. And I can guarantee you that we will not stop here.”

Enjoying a magnificent nine-year spell at the Premier League heavyweights, Silva has notched an impressive 72 goals and 73 assists in 410 appearances, though he may well be set for a new challenge if reports are to be believed.

Regardless, Manchester City have Real Madrid star Rodrygo on their list of potential January reinforcements, emphasising that Guardiola is determined to alter his forward line.

Now, the Citizens could be set to step up their search for a replacement should Silva call time on his heroics at the Etihad, per recent developments.

Manchester City want to sign Fermin Lopez in January

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City boss Guardiola has a personal wish to sign Barcelona star Fermin Lopez if Silva does take up the option to return to Lisbon during the January window.

Citing his ability to feature either in central midfield or as a left winger, Guardiola is a big fan of the Spain international, who has produced a return of 11 goals and 19 assists in 90 appearances for the reigning La Liga champions.

Five similar players to Fermin Lopez (FBRef)

Serge Gnabry

Bayern Munich

Dani Olmo

Barcelona

Christian Pulisic

AC Milan

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Paris Saint-Germain

Michael Olise

Bayern Munich

Labelled “fantastic” by national boss Luis de la Fuente, Lopez is said to be valued at around the £69 million mark and was previously targeted by Liverpool during the summer transfer window.

Nevertheless, the fact that his contract runs until 2029 at Barcelona could be a source of frustration for Manchester City, who are likely to make a decision on their financial outlook regarding a deal nearer the time. He even shares the same CAA Stellar agency as five Etihad stars, including summer signings James Trafford and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Even with the window closed, the Citizens are already plotting some serious moves, and it will be intriguing to see whether they can pull off such an exciting capture.