LONDON: Manchester City have landed their first big-money signing of the summer, paying French champions Monaco £43m for Portugal’s attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva.

The 22-year-old flew into Manchester Airport on Thursday night to complete negotiations.

He said: “It feels great. I’m now at one of the best teams in the world. To be part of this club and to have this opportunity is great. I’m very happy to be part of Manchester City’s team and I look forward to trying to do my best to help the team reach their goals.

“Of course when you have the opportunity of being trained by (Pep) Guardiola, you don’t say No. If not the best coach in the world, he is one of the best.

“As we all know, what he did in Barcelona and Bayern Munich was amazing and we expect also here that he will win titles. It’s great to be working with him and to have this opportunity.”

Silva’s arrival signals the start of manager Guardiola’s overhaul of a squad which finished a disappointing third in the Premier League in his first season in charge.

On Thursday the club announced the departures of goalkeeper Willy Cabellero, full-backs Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna – in addition to the previously-known exit of Pablo Zabaleta to West Ham – and winger Jesus Navas.

Midfielder Yaya Toure is also out of contract this summer and would have to accept a pay cut to stay on with a short-term deal.

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