Arsenal will reportedly compete with Chelsea for 24-year-old Brazilian international Bento, with the two London clubs making their moves.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Bento is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are scouring the market for a goalkeeper heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Aaron Ramsdale. The 24-year-old Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper is also a target for Chelsea.
Who is Bento?
Bento Matheus Krepski, better known as Bento, is the latest Brazilian goalkeeper to rise in prominence. The country has a rich history of producing world-class shot-stoppers, with the current generation boasting of Alisson Becker and Ederson Moraes.
The 24-year-old is a native of Curitiba and graduated from the Athletico Paranaense youth division. However, he had to bide his time to establish a foothold in the first-team squad and made his senior debut in November 2020 after the two goalkeepers ahead of him in the pecking order tested positive for COVID-19.
The player has turned out over 150 times thus far for Athletico Paranaense, keeping 52 clean sheets. Meanwhile, he made his debut for the Brazilian national side last month with Alisson and Ederson out injured. Bento’s performances in his two outings have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
London Calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Bento is understandable. The Blues are scouring the market for a goalkeeper after unimpressive performances from Robert Sanchez this season. In addition, Kepa Arrizabalaga faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea will likely sell him in the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old Brazilian international is thus a viable target.
As for Arsenal, the Gunners are sweating over the long-term future of Aaron Ramsdale. The English international has grown in frustration this season after becoming the backup goalkeeper for the North London club. So, he might leave Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners identifying potential replacements, including Michele Di Gregorio. But Bento’s name also features on their wishlist.
The report has claimed that Arsenal and Chelsea have made their initial moves for the 24-year-old Brazilian international. So, an adventure in the Premier League might be on the cards, although it might be as a backup goalkeeper at a London club.
