Bournemouth are in talks with Benfica to sign centre-back Antonio Silva, GIVEMESPORT understands. The 22-year-old is viewed as a replacement for Marcos Senesi, who joined Tottenham on a free transfer earlier this summer following the expiration of his contract at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth are viewed as strong contenders to sign the defender and terms will not prove to be an issue with the player.
Silva has already informed Benfica he wants to leave, and will not sign a new deal, but Benfica have delayed further negotiations as they focus on Europa League qualifying. Benfica play St Gallen in Switzerland on July 23, before hosting the Swiss side on July 30.
Silva is in the final year of his contract with Benfica
António Silva
Silva has made 181 appearances for Benfica across four seasons and has Champions League experience. He has also won 20 caps for Portugal, but was not selected in Roberto Martinez's World Cup squad this summer.
He has just entered the final year of his contract with the Portuguese giants, ending the 2025/26 season unbeaten in the Portuguese league but astonishingly not winning the title, finishing third behind Porto and Sporting CP.
Silva, described as "something special" by former Benfica boss Roger Schmidt, played a key role in their 2025/26 campaign, keeping eight clean sheets in 25 league appearances, scoring once and laying on one assist too.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Bournemouth have also signed Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche for an initial £21million plus bonuses. The striker is seen as someone who will compliment Evanilison and is not a Junior Kroupi replacement.
Bournemouth are intent on keeping hold of Kroupi, who broke the record for most goals in a single season by a teenager last year, despite initial interest from several clubs, including Spurs and Arsenal.
Arsenal and Tottenham are going head-to-head to sign Kroupi Junior
AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
via Reuters
Reports suggested that Arsenal had overtaken Spurs in the race to prise Kroupi away from the south coast, while other reports claim Tottenham remain confident of getting a deal over the line for the 20-year-old.
Kroupi is not the only wanted Cherries man this summer, with Bournemouth also in ongoing talks with Alex Scott over a new deal. Discussions began in March, and Bournemouth are prepared to offer a release clause active in 2027 as part of any extension. Scott has been on the radar of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal this summer, but Bournemouth insist they don't wish to sell, and value Scott at £80million.
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