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Arsenal interested in signing Benfica star Florentino Luis

By on May 19, 2023

Arsenal are reportedly planning to sign SL Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis this summer, as per the Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

Despite purchasing Jorginho on deadline last winter, it has widely been suggested that the Gunners are keen on bolstering their engine room in the upcoming transfer window.

They have been linked with numerous options over the last few months with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo being mentioned as primary targets. But, Luis is now emerging as a new potential option.

The 23-year-old has been enjoying a stellar campaign this term, helping his side in their quest of winning the league title this term. So, it appears the Portuguese’s promising displays for Benfica have attracted the attention of several big European clubs, including Arsenal.

Sport Witness cites and translates the print version of O Jogo as saying that after being impressed by the 23-year-old’s performances this term, Arsenal have decided to register their interest in signing Luis to strengthen their engine room.

Luis to Arsenal

But, the report claims that signing Luis won’t be easy for Arsenal as Benfica don’t want to let their star man leave this summer and want at least £104m – which is his release clause – if they are forced to cash-in. So, the North London club will have to dig deep to purchase Luis at the end of this season.

O Jogo also says that Arsenal are set to face fierce competition from AC Milan and Napoli to get any potential deal done for the midfielder as the Italian giants are also plotting a swoop for him.

Luis still has more than four years left in his current contract so Benfica are in a solid position to demand a big fee to let their star man leave this summer. Therefore, it is going to be difficult for Arsenal to purchase Luis if they decide to formalise their interest.

Luis likes to be deployed in the holding midfield position but can also play in the box-to-box role. He is technically sound, can link up the play from defence to attack, has an eye for long-range passing and also is excellent in defensive contributions.

So, he would be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal to strengthen their midfield department if they manage to sign him this summer. But, Rice and Caicedo have widely been mentioned as the Gunners’ priority targets so perhaps, Luis could be the alternative option that they are lining up should they fail to sign their key targets.

One Comment

  1. Leon

    May 19, 2023 at 1:11 pm

    The money that is being mooted around these days is simply ridiculous.
    I remember Patrick Vieira, a truly world class midfielder being signed for £3.5 million.
    And this player – Florentino Luis who no one has ever heard of but is having a good season with his club Benfica is “worth at least” £104 million?
    Sorry but no he isn’t.
    £104 million for someone like Vinicius Jr, Saka or Foden Yes – but Florentino Luis?