Arsenal are reportedly engaging in discussions about acquiring a high-profile defender valued at £85 million.
This player, also attracting interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, is part of Arsenal’s plan for four major summer signings.
Sporting director Edu is preparing for a busy transfer window, following the club’s substantial investment of over £200 million in new players last year.
Arsenal’s significant spending this summer is anticipated to surpass their previous record. This decision follows their impressive Premier League campaign, where they narrowly missed winning the title to Manchester City on the final day of the season.
Arsenal finished with 89 points, a tally that would have secured the league title in many past seasons. Their offensive prowess was notable, with the team scoring over 90 goals, second only to Manchester City.
The 2023/2024 season marked a considerable improvement from the previous year, raising hopes that Mikel Arteta might guide Arsenal to their first domestic title since 2004 in the upcoming season.
To support Arteta, Arsenal plans to secure four key signings: a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward. While William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes form the backbone of Arsenal’s defense, the team lacks depth beyond these central defenders.
With Ben White now thriving at right-back, Edu is keen on bringing in another centre-back to provide depth and cover for Saliba and Gabriel. Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon has been a target for Arsenal since the beginning of the year.
Additionally, they are interested in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. Both players would come with a significant price tag, and now, Arsenal is considering another elite defender for their roster.
Benfica’s Antonio Silva has recently emerged as a potential target for Arsenal. Following an impressive season in the Primeira Liga, Silva has garnered attention from several top clubs.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal has initiated talks with Benfica regarding Silva, who is valued at around £85 million. The 20-year-old defender made 31 appearances in the Portuguese top flight last season, catching the eyes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Silva is open to joining a top English club, which could work to Edu’s advantage. However, Silva would need assurances about playing time, considering the established partnership of Saliba and Gabriel at Arsenal.
Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen praised Silva in 2023, stating, “The boy will be a legend. If he keeps doing what he’s been doing, he has everything to be one of the best defenders in the world in a year or two.”
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