On Friday, Record reported West Ham United are set to pay €18m plus €2m bonuses for Benfica’s Arthur Cabral. They also stated the striker was expected to join MLS side Atlanta United before the Hammers took the lead.
Later that day, claims from Italy reported the Eagles are looking to sign Como’s Andrea Belotti.
Saturday’s edition of A Bola states Belotti is keen on joining Benfica and they are working on signing him on a loan deal with an option to buy. West Ham’s interest in Cabral is also mentioned.
The newspaper states Belotti’s potential arrival isn’t linked to West Ham’s interest in the 26-year-old. The Portuguese club intend to sign him even if the Hammers were to not sign Cabral.
Benfica invested €20m to buy the Brazilian from Fiorentina in 2023 and intend to recover part of the fee.
A Bola state the London club asked about the frontman on Wednesday, but ‘didn’t give any news yesterday’. Therefore, ‘more optimism prevailed’ at Benfica over Cabral’s move to West Ham.
They explain Graham Potter’s side are looking for a loan deal with an option to buy, while Record stated yesterday that they are set to offer €18m plus bonuses.
There should be clarity on the formula if West Ham were to sign Cabral before Monday’s deadline. If they don’t, Benfica will look for a club in Turkey and Brazil where the winter market is open until February 11th and 28th respectively.
