Arsenal are reportedly in the hunt for Benfica star Ruben Dias – would he be the perfect fix for their defensive woes?
According to claims from Record, as translated in a report from Sport Witness, the Gunners are among a clutch of clubs who have expressed an interest in landing the centre-back.
Dias had an impressive season in Liga NOS with Benfica, and as such, numerous clubs from across Europe are keen.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have been touted as potential suitors, while Wolverhampton Wanderers have emerged as shock contenders in the race for his signature.
However, with Arsenal in dire need of a new central defender, it would make sense for them to pursue Dias as a marquee signing this summer.
Last season, Unai Emery’s side conceded the most goals of any team in the Premier League’s top six. While they were in good form in the final third, their defensive deficiencies saw them miss out on Champions League qualification.
Dias is by no means the finished product; he has made some errors, and there is still some way to go before he can be regarded as an elite centre-back.
Nevertheless, the Portugal international has displayed quite incredible potential in the past year, and the future certainly looks bright ahead of next term.
Benfica appear to be keen on increasing his current €66 million release clause as contract talks continue, and they will likely be reluctant to let their prized asset depart for anything less than the aforementioned figure.
However, with William Saliba expected to move straight back to Saint-Etienne on loan following his proposed €30 million move to Arsenal, a player in the ilk of Dias would be a perfect fit at the Emirates Stadium for both the long and short-term.
The financial conditions of a transfer involving the Benfica star would probably prevent the Gunners from being serious contenders in this race. However, the promising defender would undoubtedly be a standout signing as his stock continues to rise.
