Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Arsenal are expected to make an 'official move' for their top transfer target in January, according to stunning reports.
Arsenal splashed the cash to recruit eight new players this summer.
Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres joined the Emirates in big-money transfer fees.
Not to mention Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Mikel Arteta snapping up Piero Hincapie on deadline day.
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Despite shelling out £255 million this summer, the Gunners have their eyes on further additions.
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have been monitoring centre-back Luiz Benedetti and are expected to make an 'official move' in January.
Benedetti, 19, is attracting plenty of interest following his performances in Brazil, with Barcelona also keeping tabs on his situation.
Barca view him as a strategic option to reinforce their backline with a promising young talent.
Greek giants Olympiacos are in the mix, too.
Benedetti has alerted Europe's elite given his ability to carry the ball out from the back and his aerial strength.
Arsenal see him as a physically capable alternative suited to the demands of the Premier League.
Palmeiras, however, are reluctant to let him go, having already lost several players - including Estevao who joined Chelsea.
Benedetti is not only garnering attention for his on-field talent but also his market value.
He is valued at €500,000 but with the involvement of Arsenal and Barca, he could command a transfer fee into the multi-million range.
But Benedetti, who is under contract until December 2029, represents a low-cost but high-upside investment considering his age and potential.
Per the report, Palmeiras are expected to leverage the long-term nature of his contract to strengthen their position in negotiations.
A move to Europe in January reckons for Benedetti as the outcome will depend on the strategic moves of the interested clubs.