Benfica are showing no signs off slowing down in the transfer market and according to Italian site GianLuca Dimarizio the Eagles have started talks with Inter Milan for the services of former Jorge Jesus midfielder Joao Mario. Jesus managed the 27 year old in 2015 and 2016 when he was at the helm of Sporting and has asked his current club to look into what it would take for the Portuguese International to join his Benfica side this season. Joao Mario spent the 2019-20 season on loan with Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow where he appeared in 22 games across all competitions, scoring once while setting up six goals. Joao Mario joined Inter Milan in the summer of 2016 but has spent the past two and half years away from the club on loans and a return to Portugal could be in the cards if both clubs can come to an agreement. Joao Mario has been capped by Portugal 46 times and was a member of Portugal's winning Euro 2016 squad.
Benfica seem to inquire about almost all available players as they continue to look at strengthening and changing their squad for the upcoming season. The latest player that has caught the clubs attention is versatile defender Nacho Fernandez who fits Benfica's manager Jorge Jesus view of adding more veteran defensive help to the squad. The 30 year old Real Madrid player appeared in only 10 games for Real across all competitions this past season and is said to be unhappy and is considering a move away from Madrid as he looks for more playing time. Nacho who is primarily a central defender can also play both defensive back positions if the need arose and would fit a perfectly into a substitute role for the four defenders when a rest was needed. Nacho would be the third defender added since the arrival of Jorge Jesus joining Jan Vertonghen and Gilberto, the Spanish International price tag is said to be in the range of €10M-€15M.
The return of Jorge Jesus at Benfica was expected to see the club make some big changes as the former Benfica man looks to mold the squad to his competitive nature. Benfica have acquired six players over the last ten days in Jan Vertonghen, Cebolinha, Gilberto, Luca Waldschmidt, Pedrinho and Helton Leite but are also linked to a host of other players, most notably free agent striker Edinson Cavani.
Jesus has let it be known that he would like to work with 25 to 26 players on his main squad and with six players already added and potential for another two or three, expect some famaliar faces that we have come to know depart Benfica over the next few weeks as the club prepares for the upcoming Portuguese and European seasons.
