Arsenal told to pay £35m to secure major defensive target

Oli Fisher

Benfica have named their asking price for an Arsenal target if he is to leave in the summer, according to reports in Portugal.

Record claim that Arsenal have been told that they will need to pay €40m (£35m) if they are to sign defender Ruben Dias at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to the Gunners as Arsene Wenger looks to address his defensive issues, with Per Mertesacker set to retire.

Arsenal scouts have previously been spotted at Benfica games, with Dias believed to be the subject of the scouting mission.

The Portuguese outlet states that the Premier League side have been told by Benfica that they would be willing to sell their young star.

Bids of around £35m will be considered, however the report claims that Benfica could hold out for the defender’s release clause of €60m (£52.5m) if they can attract other interest and start a bidding war.

 

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