Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to offer more than €10 million to sign Palmeiras star Benedetti.
Arsenal are testing Palmeiras’s resolve over teenage defender Benedetti, but reports from Brazil suggest the Gunners may already be hitting a wall in negotiations. According to TV Espirito de Porco via X, Palmeiras are holding out for a minimum of €15 million, while Arsenal’s opening bid of €10 million has so far failed to spark progress.
Arsenal want Benedetti
The North London side remain admirers of Benedetti’s potential, particularly given his versatility at the back and the fact that he holds an Italian passport, which would ease any potential move to Europe. Yet, despite recognising his long-term promise, Arsenal are not prepared to overpay. Their €10 million offer reflects both their valuation of the player and their broader strategy of balancing squad investment with financial caution.
At just 19 years old, Benedetti is viewed as a player who could develop into a cornerstone of a European defence. But Arsenal, wary of inflated fees for unproven youngsters, are showing little intention to raise their bid unless Palmeiras lower their demands before the transfer window closes.
While Arsenal remain in the race, they are far from alone. Napoli have also expressed interest, reportedly holding discussions with Benedetti’s representatives about a potential move. The Italian giants see the Brazilian as an intriguing option to bolster their back line for the long term, and their willingness to engage could complicate matters for the Premier League club.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have tracked Benedetti for some time but appear constrained by their own financial situation. The Catalan giants may struggle to make an official approach, leaving the door open for rivals to seize the initiative. Across the continent, scouts have taken notice of the Palmeiras academy graduate, highlighting how quickly his stock has risen in Brazil and abroad.
Price tag an issue
Palmeiras’s firm stance is not surprising. The club has earned a reputation as one of the most prolific producers of talent in South America, with recent graduates moving on to top European leagues for substantial fees. Selling Benedetti for less than their €15 million benchmark would be out of step with their broader transfer strategy, especially given the growing list of suitors.
For now, the ball is firmly in Arsenal’s court. They must decide whether to increase their offer or risk losing out to Napoli, or another late entrant into the race. With the player expected to move to Europe sooner rather than later, this saga looks set to be decided quickly. Whether Arsenal’s cautious approach pays off, or leaves them regretting a missed opportunity, remains to be seen.