Portuguese newspaper A Bola today brings some details on the race that is being formed for Benfica midfielder Gabriel.
The newspaper claims there are four clubs who are discussing a potential move with the Eagles, and talks are on to take the 27-year-old out of Lisbon this summer.
The sides are said to be Brighton & Hove Albion, Celta Vigo, Granada and Fiorentina. All of them from attractive leagues, which would clearly help their chances, although they’re still far from convincing the Portuguese giants.
Starting with the Seagulls, they’re highlighted for being a Premier League side, but are only willing to make a loan attempt for now. The club’s intention would be to pay between €2m and €3m for a temporary move.
The plan is similar to the one from La Liga clubs. The difference is that Celta and Granada could pay even less than Brighton for the loan spell.
The only side who are focused on a permanent move is Fiorentina, but their offer isn’t attractive either. That’s because they only want to spend €5m, and that’s far from Benfica’s demands, as the Eagles spent €10m to sign Gabriel from Leganes three years ago.
A Bola claims that since Gabriel isn’t a ‘priority midfielder’ for manager Jorge Jesus, Benfica could be flexible when negotiating his exit this summer. The player is enjoying his vacations in Brazil while he analyses the offers, and the Eagles should get more into it by the end of the month.
