Real Madrid have held an interest in Benfica defender Antonio Silva but according to a report by Fichajes, the youngster will prefer to join a Premier League club in the summer.
The 20-year-old has been one of the most discussed centre-backs this season and Benfica are ready to cash in on him however, they are demanding at least €100 million for him who still has three more years left on his contract.
It’s a very steep price for someone whose current market value is only €45 million but that has not deflected interest from England because Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all made contact with Benfica, discussing a possible summer move.
Antonio Silva has played close to 100 games for Benfica since making his senior debut in 2022. Last season he won the Premeira Liga and this time around, he’s lifted the Super Cup. His defensive stats this campaign are outstanding as he’s won close to 70% of his tackles and made 23 interceptions along with 181 recovery runs.
In 30 league games, Silva has been dispossessed just 9 times and he’s won as many as 136 duels. The Portugal international has also been selected for the EUROs and he’s definitely going to be one to look out for.
Should Real Madrid seriously challenge for Antonio Silva?
Carlo Ancelotti is eager to add depth to his back line and the Los Blancos have already been linked with players like Leny Yoro and Jarrad Brathwaite.
Madrid can afford to spend around €100 million on Antonio Silva but as per a recent report, they are expected to give up their chase for the 20-year-old.
A player like Silva will have the opportunity to shine at the Bernabeu but it seems like Florentino Perez does not wish to spend so much on a central defender and rightly so.
Signing a new centre-back is not a priority for Real Madrid but if they do have to sign one they will be much better off spending €70-80 million on someone like Branthwaite who is in a similar age bracket as Antonio Silva.
Is Silva on his way to the Premier League?
Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal are all capable of meeting Silva’s transfer valuation but we expect him to choose a team where he can play regularly and also in the Champions League.
Man United might be able to offer him regular starts but they won’t be in the Champions League next season. And to be honest, the way they have played this season, it will be some time before they can get back into the top four of the EPL. Liverpool and Arsenal are probably the favourites to land the young defender because both of them have finished very strongly this season.
William Saliba and Gabriel have been brilliant this season so at Arsenal, it will be a bit of a challenge for him to break into the first XI but with Joel Matip leaving and Konate looking far from impressive, Antonio Silva will feel right at home alongside Van Dijk.
