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Arsenal enter race to sign Benfica star

Arsenal enter race to sign Benfica star


Laurent Koscielny news

Arsenal looking at Ruben Dias?

Arsenal have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Ruben Dias from Benfica, considering they are bracing for the departure of club-captain Laurent Koscielny.

Koscielny has been with the north London giants for the past nine seasons and he now appears keen on pursuing a fresh challenge after declining to travel with his teammates for the pre-season tour of the United States.

Amidst this, the Gunners have been linked with multiple players and according to The Mail, Dias has been earmarked as one of the leading options to replace the former France international.

Still, Unai Emery's side don't have an easy route of pursuing the Portugal international, considering Benfica are unlikely to accept anything less than the player's £59m release clause.

Moreover, Manchester United are also in the hunt for the Nations League winner and they could hold the edge by negotiating a one-time payment, which the Gunners are unlikely to comply.

Arsenal are working on a limited £45m budget for the summer and any additional funds would have to be accumulated from the sale of unwanted players within the current squad.