Portuguese winger open to joining Arsenal

Benfica winger Rafa Silva is reportedly interested in making the move to Arsenal when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a good season with the Primeira Liga outfit and he has bagged nine goals and six assists from 25 appearances.

According to Correio da Manha, Silva is open to pursuing a fresh challenge away from Benfica this summer and he is said to be flattered by the interest from Mikel Arteta's side.

Still, the £72m release clause on his contract remains a major stumbling block for the Gunners and the club are unlikely to make a formal bid unless Benfica are prepared to accept a significantly lower fee.

The north London giants are on the search for a new wide player and they have recently been linked with Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby, who has registered five goals and eight assists this term.

Unlike Silva, Diaby is available for a substantially lower price of around £27m but the Gunners may not be able to pay the entire fee in a single payment under the current financial climate.

The club recently announced that the majority of the players have agreed on a 12.5 percent salary reduction for the next 12 months but they are still facing losses due to the ongoing coronavirus shutdown.