Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni as they consider a January move for the Argentine starlet, according to reports from TyC Sports.
Arsenal want to sign Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni this January
Arsenal Weigh Up January Swoop for Benfica Sensation Gianluca Prestianni
The Gunners are in the market for attacking reinforcements after a quiet summer that saw only Christos Tzolis arrive from Club Brugge.
While the Greek international has impressed on the left flank with four goal contributions, manager Mikel Arteta reportedly wants another specialist winger following the departures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli last summer.
Prestianni has enjoyed a remarkable campaign in Portugal, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists in just 20 matches for Benfica.
The 20-year-old operates primarily on the left wing or as a number 10, completing over three dribbles per league game and winning nearly eight duels on average.
However, any deal would come at a significant cost. Prestianni’s contract contains an £84 million release clause, and Benfica could demand a fee close to that figure.
A winter departure would also benefit financially struggling Velez Sarsfield, who could secure up to £17m through a sell-on clause.
The young Argentine has faced controversy, receiving a six-game UEFA ban in April for homophobic conduct toward Real Madrid’s Vinicius, but he has since rebuilt his reputation through consistent performances.
Despite the interest, Arsenal appear unlikely to sanction such a substantial outlay.
Prestianni has excelled in the Primeira Liga, but the step up to Premier League intensity remains uncertain as demonstrated by Viktor Gyokeres’ struggles since returning to England.
The Gunners may instead target a winger with proven experience in Europe’s top-five leagues, with RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa and Atletico Madrid’s Alex Baena emerging as potential alternatives.
