Benfica defender Antonio Silva has been linked with a move away from the club, with Chelsea and Manchester United interested.
Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on signing Antonio Silva. But according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, the two English clubs are unlikely to shell out €100 million to sign him from Benfica.
Antonio Silva: An Expensive Option for Chelsea and Manchester United
The 20-year-old central defender has a €100 million release clause in his contract. So, Benfica will have to be reasonable with their demands to sell him. Antonio Silva is a prodigious talent who has established himself as a key player at the club level. He will want to cement his place as a regular starter for the Portuguese national team as well.
There is no doubt that he has the attributes to develop into a quality Premier League defender as well. And both Chelsea and Manchester United will benefit from his capture.
Chelsea need to find a quality long-term replacement for Thiago Silva, and the 20-year-old would be the ideal acquisition. Apart from his defensive qualities, Antonio Silva is quite impressive with the ball at his feet and his distribution ability will add a new dimension to their play. The Blues certainly you have the financial resources to pay big money for him.
As for Manchester United, they could lose Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire in the coming months, and they will need quality alternatives. The Portuguese international certainly fits the profile, and he could be a long-term asset for them.
A move to Chelsea or Manchester United will be an exciting step up in the defender’s career, and he might be attracted to the proposition of playing in the Premier League with them. A January move seems highly unlikely, and any transfer would have to wait until the summer transfer window.
It is fair to assume that Chelsea and Manchester United will have to secure UEFA Champions League qualification to attract elite talents like Antonio Silva. The 20-year-old will not want to join a club without Champions League football next season. But without shelling out €100 million, a move for Antonio Silva will not materialise.
