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Arsenal join race to sign Benfica star Daniel Banjaqui

By on March 7, 2026

Arsenal have joined the race to sign highly rated Portuguese right back Daniel Banjaqui from Benfica, according to TEAMtalk.

Benfica are renowned for producing some of the best talents that go on to make the biggest impacts and grace the biggest stages across Europe.

The latest to emerge from the club’s academy is Banjaqui, who is already turning heads with his performances for Benfica’s youth setup.

He has been one of the standout players in the UEFA Youth League this season, featuring six times, with his defensive displays playing a key role in As Águias’ qualification to the quarter-finals, where they’re set to meet Inter Milan on March 18.

Having impressed in the youth ranks, Jose Mourinho handed the 6ft 1in star his first-team debut in the 2-0 Taça de Portugal victory over Farense on December 17, 2025, and he has gone on to feature twice in the Primeira Liga.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, as TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal are among several Premier League clubs that have expressed interest in Banjaqui.

The report adds that in recent weeks, intermediaries have held talks with the Gunners regarding the situation of the Portugal U18 international at the Estádio da Luz as his contract enters its final year.

However, the Gunners face stern competition for his signature, as Premier League rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Barcelona, are also keen on the right-back, while Benfica, on the other hand, are looking to extend his contract, according to the report.

Cost-effective option

Arsenal currently have Ben White and Jurrien Timber as right-back options, while the impressive Cristhian Mosquera has been impressive whenever he’s been utilised there.

However, Timber has been Mikel Arteta’s outright choice this season, while White has fallen down the pecking order, no thanks to recurring injuries.

Although the England international is contracted at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2028, a possible departure could be on the cards next summer.

As such, the North London club are exploring possible replacements, and reports via Arsenal Station previously mentioned their interest in Atalanta’s Marco Palestra.

Banjaqui now appears to be the next right-back they’re courting and an exciting one at that, as his skill set indicates he has the potential to become world-class.

Should Arsenal make their interest concrete, the Portuguese would prove a cost-effective option, as Benfica are unlikely to demand a steep fee with a year left in his contract.