City sign £43m Silva and Zabaleta joins Hammers

Manchester City have announced the signing of Monaco playmaker Bernardo Silva.

Press Association Sport understands City will pay £43 million for the 22-yearold, who will officially move on July 1.

It means City have won the race for the Portugal international ahead of neighbours Manchester United, who were also interested in him.

The player flew into Manchester Airport on Thursday night and negotiations were swiftly concluded.

“It feels great. To be honest 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,” Silva told his new club’s official website.

“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.”

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.

Meanwhile, former City defender Pablo Zabaleta has joined West Ham United.

The Argentina full-back will join the Irons on a two-year deal from July 1, when his contract with Manchester City expires having been released at the Etihad Stadium.

“This is an absolute pleasure to be part of West Ham. I hope I can give you good moments. Of course, I come to the club to enjoy myself and hopefully we can have a very successful time,” Zabaleta told West Ham TV.