Silva, 31, confirmed earlier this month that he would not be renewing his Manchester City contract, leaving the Etihad as a free agent after nine seasons during which he won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups. He captained the side in Pep Guardiola's final season and lifted both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup this term.
The confusion around his destination reflects how genuinely competitive the race has become. Corriere dello Sport reported this week that Silva has decided to join Juventus. AS reported on the same day that he wants to go to Real Madrid. Schira's report adds Atletico to an already complicated picture.
Atletico are understood to be offering a contract through to the summer of 2028 with an option for a further year — terms that would make him among the best-paid players in La Liga at a club preparing for a significant rebuild following Antoine Griezmann's departure to Orlando City in MLS.
The Juventus track has substance. Agent Jorge Mendes has been negotiating with the Bianconeri across several weeks, and Juventus sporting director Damien Comolli made no secret of his interest when asked about the midfielder publicly. The financial appeal is clear — Champions League football, a strong salary offer and a club with real ambitions in Serie A.
The Real Madrid option has gathered momentum since Jose Mourinho's appointment as head coach. Mourinho worked with Silva at the 2010 World Cup — albeit for Portugal against Mourinho's Spain in the semi-final — and admires him as a player. Madrid's sporting structure has discussed Silva's profile internally.
Barcelona and Arsenal have also been linked across the past several months. Barcelona's financial position makes a deal complicated. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has been linked with multiple midfield targets, with Silva one of several options assessed.
Silva himself has said publicly he wants his decision made before joining Portugal's World Cup preparations, leaving a narrow window for resolution.