On Friday, it was reported in Portugal that Arthur Cabral was on the verge of a move to West Ham United. The forward has been linked with the Hammers on countless occasions, however, the reported deal looked too good to be true for Benfica.
According to the report, the Brazilian was set to move to the Premier League club for €18m plus a potential further €2m in bonus payments. Benfica had been negotiating a deal with MLS club Atalanta United, but the player snubbed that and was thought to be much happier about a move to West Ham.
Sunday’s edition of O Jogo reports West Ham have walked away from negotiations. It’s explained Graham Potter’s side were only looking for a loan move and when Benfica refused that kind of deal, West Ham left the table and moved to other options.
Record also touch upon the failed move and say Cabral’s transfer to West Ham is looking ‘increasingly distant’.
Maybe the €18m was a buying option at the end of a loan and that’s where the confusion crept in.
