Arsenal target Man City outcast as Maddison alternative

Arsenal are considering a move for Manchester City outcast Bernardo Silva as an alternative to Leicester's James Maddison, reports the Mirror on Sunday. 

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for England international Maddison as Mikel Arteta seeks to inject some creativity into his side. 

However, Leicester are playing hardball with Maddison and are demanding around £60m for the 24-year-old, who started the Foxes' 1-0 Community Shield win over City on Saturday evening. 

That could now see Arsenal switch targets to Silva, whose future at the Etihad Stadium is up in the air following the £100m arrival of Jack Grealish last week. 

Gunners boss Arteta knows Silva well following his time as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester and he could use that relationship to bring the Portugal international to the Emirates. 

Silva is keen on a move to Spain, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both rumoured destinations for the 26-year-old. 

Financial difficulties for the La Liga pair, though, means Arsenal will fancy their chances of landing Silva, who started 24 league matches last season.