Arsenal are keen on 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Benfica as Mikel Arteta eyes reinforcements.
According to O Jogo via Sport Witness, Florentino Luis emerged as a target for Arsenal ahead of the summer window. Mikel Arteta could widen his search for midfielders and knock on Benfica’s door for the 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder.
Arsenal are planning ahead with their targets and want to secure new signings early. Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar are working hard on many options across different areas of the squad. The Gunners may have narrowly lost out on the Premier League title race. But they are making every effort to retain their status as challengers for next season.
For Arteta, the central midfield areas are key ahead of the next window. Arsenal are willing to invest heavily in securing their primary targets, but some of their existing stars could also depart. Granit Xhaka is already expected to leave and return to the Bundesliga.
With the Swiss star departing, Arteta must find a solution to replace Xhaka. In addition, Arsenal are prioritising a move for Declan Rice but also want Brighton’s Moises Caicedo. For a long time, it was understood they would bring one of those two, but the north Londoners will target both.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are keeping their doors open for alternatives to the duo, with Benfica’s Florentino Florentino Luis emerging on their radar. The 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been excellent throughout the season, making 52 appearances all season.
He has proven his worth in a fitness sense by missing only one game through suspension. The question of whether he is a realistic option for Arsenal, considering the midfielder has a €120 million release clause in his new contract signed last year.
Arsenal would only look to deal with Benfica if they can find a reasonable solution to his transfer fees. The Portuguese club have recently shown they cannot be dismayed by the threat of a big side but will still look to extract a larger fee.
The 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder will only come across as an alternative to some of their primary targets. He will remain on their radar for now, but there are unlikely to be any advanced negotiations at this stage.
