Bernardo Silva urges Manchester City to spend big on former Monaco team-mate Kylian Mbappe: 'He can be a superstar... in fact, I think he already is'

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Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva has urged his new side to splash the cash to bring in Kylian Mbappe from Monaco.

The 18-year-old Monaco superstar enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season in the French principality, bagging 26 goals in all competition last term, making him one of Europe's hottest prospects.

Pep Guardiola is currently blessed with the attacking riches of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, who are set to battle it out for the primary slot up top this season.

Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva has urged his new side to bring in Kylian Mbappe

Pep Guardiola (right) has already spent £221.7m on summer signings, including Kyle Walker

Silva, who cost £43m from Monaco, believes ex-team-mate Mbappe is worth the big price tag

But Guardiola has been lavish with his spending so far this summer, forking out a whopping £221.7million already.

And new signing Silva, who cost £43m from Monaco himself, would love to see his boss spend big to bring his former team-mate to the Premier League.

'I haven't spoken to Mbappe – but he is a great player as well,' Silva said. 'I would love to have him here - and you never know - but that is for City to decide.

'He can be a superstar - in fact, I think he is already a little bit of a superstar. He is a great player to play with because he is so intelligent with his movement.

'It is perfect to have someone like him when you're a midfield player because he is very fast, very clever, and a good finisher.

'It's crazy to think he is only 18 or 19. He can be one of the best in the world very soon.'

The Spaniard spent £133m on defenders, and could thank Silva for recruiting Benjamin Mendy

Once Silva had decided to make the move, he pleaded with Mendy to follow him to Manchester

Guardiola has already recruited Silva and left back Benjamin Mendy from the Ligue 1 champions this window.

And the Spanish manager may have Silva to thank for encouraging Mendy to make the move to the Etihad Stadium.

Silva revealed that once he knew he was making the trip to the north west of England, he set about convincing the French defender to join him. 

'I am a big friend of Benjamin (Mendy),' Silva added. 'When I met him last year it was a big surprise because Mendy is a great guy, but he is a little crazy.

'It is great to have him alongside me in Manchester. It was great to play alongside him last season and I hope that we can achieve a lot of things together.

'Honestly, when I signed for City I spoke to him about coming as well. I said "come on Mendy, come with me", because he is a great player and he can really help this team.'