Palmeiras have set a clear price tag for defender Benedetti, and Arsenal’s opening stance is falling short.
Brazilian journalists Diego Firmino and Felipe Lemos report the club want at least €15m (£12.6m) including bonuses to let the 19-year-old go. The Gunners, however, have so far indicated a willingness to pay around €10m (£8.4m), as we previously told.
Benedetti, who came through Palmeiras’ academy, has made 15 senior appearances this season despite being a substitute under Abel Ferreira. His contract runs until December 2029, making the Brazilian side firm in negotiations.
In recent days, Arsenal have also been strongly linked in the UK and European press with Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié.
Compared to the Ecuadorian, Benedetti is far less experienced but represents a younger and potentially cheaper option for a left-footed centre-back – and one that could fit Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.
Whether Arsenal move closer to Palmeiras’ asking price remains to be seen, especially with other European sides, such as Barcelona and Napoli (as per ESPN Brazil), keeping tabs on the situation.