Arsenal have registered their interest in Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, according to the Correio da Manha.
The Portuguese newspaper reports that the Gunners “want” the 21-year-old but they have “already been informed” that the player won’t be sold unless his €100m (£85m) release clause is triggered.
Manager Mikel Arteta is said to be keen on reinforcing his options in defence, and he has identified Silva as the man he wants to be brought in.
Unless Arsenal are prepared to meet the current valuation, though, the defender (who has nine caps for Portugal) is expected to remain with Benfica.
Rival Premier League clubs have scouted the player
Both Manchester United and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in Silva over the past year or so.
However, neither Premier League side are believed to have made a formal offer to sign the centre-half due to Benfica’s demands.
What do Arsenal fans need to know about Silva?
The defender came through Benfica’s academy, and he was one of the standout players as the club’s Under 19s won the UEFA Youth League in 2022.
After making appearances for the Under 23s and the B team, Silva went on to make his first-team debut against Boavista at the beginning of the 2022/23 season.
He has not looked back from there, making 94 appearances for Benfica in all competitions since then, having established himself as one of the most promising young centre-backs in European football.
Silva has been selected in Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad, along with another promising young Benfica player, Joao Neves. Having started 5 of the 10 qualifiers going into the tournament, he is expected to feature regularly for his country in Germany. Whatever happens, though, it appears Arsenal will not be getting a discount if they want to secure his signature.
