Transfer Centre

Benfica's Rafa Silva wants Arsenal move?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 19 May 2020

Arsenal are reportedly keen on a deal for Benfica's Rafa Silva, although the winger's hefty price tag is likely to be an issue amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Benfica winger Rafa Silva is reportedly interested in a move to Arsenal amid speculation linking the Premier League side with a swoop for the player.

The 27-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign with Benfica before the season was brought to a halt due to the COVID-19 outbreak, as Silva chalked up nine goals and six assists from 25 appearances.

According to Correio da Manha, the Portugal international is flattered by Arsenal's supposed interest in him, and Mikel Arteta's side are hopeful of striking a deal for Silva.

However, the report also claims that the winger has a release clause of €80m (£71.3m) in his current contract, a fee which could prove implausible for Arsenal to fork out given the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Arteta has supposedly identified further targets out wide ahead of the summer transfer window, with another report suggesting that the North London outfit have made contact with Bayer Leverkusen over Moussa Diaby.

Silva has scored 35 goals in 125 appearances for Benfica since 2016, and the winger still has four years left on his existing deal with the Primeira Liga champions.