Crystal Palace have been presented with the possibility of signing Palmeiras defender Luiz Benedetti, but there is currently no move from the Eagles.
The 19-year-old continues to attract attention in the transfer market, almost a year after Arsenal were first linked with him.
ESPN Brazil discussed Benedetti’s situation on Monday and explained exactly where Crystal Palace stand.
The Brazilian centre-back is well regarded at Selhurst Park. However, Palace would currently see him as a player for their Under-21s, rather than an immediate first-team addition.
Crystal Palace have checked Luiz Benedetti
Luiz Benedetti’s name has been doing the rounds, with Palmeiras receiving enquiries while the youngster is also being offered to potential suitors.
ESPN journalist Bruno Andrade had information about Crystal Palace, prompting his colleagues to check the situation with the Premier League club. Their answer was pretty clear: “There is nothing there now. It will be for later.”
Of course that does not mean Palace have dismissed Benedetti’s qualities. The Brazilian journalist explains that he is ‘very well rated’ by the Eagles. We have already covered a few reasons why that could be true.
The issue is their plans for this window. Palace’s Under-21 side are not looking to make a signing of this kind right now.
Their recruitment work is instead focused on players who can go straight into the first team. For Benedetti, that leaves Palace as an admirer for now, without the interest developing into anything more concrete.
Arsenal interest showed his market in England
Luiz Benedetti has already attracted attention from Arsenal, so this is not the first time his name has reached the Premier League.
Earlier reports in Brazil had the Gunners looking at the defender as one for the future. Palmeiras were in a strong position and manager Abel Ferreira showed little appetite to negotiate cheaply.
The 19-year-old is under contract until 2029 and has a €100m (£86.5m) release clause. That figure is designed to protect one of the club’s highly-rated academy players, rather than represent a realistic asking price.
Palmeiras were previously said to want around €20m (£17.3m) when interest from Arsenal and others arrived.
Benedetti’s situation now appears a little different. ESPN say Palmeiras could use sales involving some of their younger players to help meet their financial targets.
That makes a deal something to keep an eye on if the right club comes forward. For Crystal Palace, though, the current message is that Benedetti is appreciated but not part of their immediate plans.
