Benfica make informal contact with Santos striker

Benfica have reached out to 20 year old Santos striker Marcos Leonardo according to reports out of Brazil's Globo Esporte. Santos was recently relegated from the top division in Brazil and will be heading to Serie B for the first time in their history and should see an exodus of its top players over the winter window.

Leonardo's player rights belong to both Santos and Sao Paulo and it is said that the club is looking for between €15M to €20M for the players services. Leonardo scored 21 goals in 2023 across 49 games while providing four helpers. Benfica would need to move out one of its strikers if it were to make this move with Arthur Cabral the likely candidate.

Real Madrid, Arsenal and Newcastle are said to have also inquired about the player.