Santos President Marcelo Teixeira confirms Benfica will sign Roma and Arsenal target Marcos Leonardo for €18m.
The Brazilian forward had been linked with a transfer to the Stadio Olimpico last summer before Romelu Lukaku’s loan move from Chelsea, but Arsenal recently emerged as the biggest rival for the Giallorossi in the race for the Santos starlet.
However, Benfica have now beaten competition from the Gunners and the Giallorossi, securing the services of the 20-year-old for €18m.
Santos’ President Marcelo Teixeira has said the Portuguese side have acquired 70% of the striker’s economic rights, with the remaining 30% held by the player’s entourage.
Teixeira posted a picture with Benfica director Rui Pedro Braz on Tuesday, revealing Benfica’s offer for the first time.
He said he had spoken to club President Manuel Rui Costa, a former Fiorentina and Milan star, who had made a formal bid for the Brazilian striker.
Benfica signed Arthur Cabral for €20m from Fiorentina last summer, but the 25-year-old has only scored four goals in 19 appearances with the Portuguese giants this term.