Benfica linked to Gent striker from Ukraine

Benfica continue to shop around as they look to strengthen their line up for the 2021/22 season and reports from Belgian site Voetbal24 have the club linked to Gent striker Roman Yaremchuk. Yaremchuk joined Gent in the summer of 2017 from Dynamo Kiev for a mere €2M and has since appeared in 152 games across all competitions for the club, scoring 61 goals. 

Voetbal24 reports that Yaremchuk has given Gent the go ahead to make a move this summer and although AC Milan and West Ham have also been linked with the striker, Yaremchuk is said to prefer a move to Benfica. The only obstacle in place is Gent's price tag on Yaremchuk which is set at €25M but Benfica are currently working on negotiating a lower fee.

The 25 year old was recently a member of Ukraine's 2020 Euro squad, scoring twice in his nations quarter-final run and any move for Yaremchuk would certainly see Benfica move out a striker or two from its current line up with Haris Seferovic and Carlos Vinicius the two most likely to depart the club with his arrival.

Jorge Jesus tired of waiting on Al Musrati wants Arao

Benfica bench boss Jorge Jesus has asked the club to go after one of his former Flamengo players in defensive midfielder Willian Arao according to reports from Portugal. Jesus is frustrated with the progress that the club has made on Braga's Al Musrati and wants to shore up his midfield with the season less then a month away.

Jesus is a fan of Arao's characteristics and what he can bring to the number six position, the move would also cost substantially less then the acquisition of Musrati. Jesus asked the club for two new midfielders this off season and with Joao Mario close to joining the club, Arao would be the second midfielder.

Arao has been with Flamengo since January 2016 and has appeared in 231 games for the club across all competitions, scoring 19 goals while setting up an additional 19. Arao has spent his entire playing career in Brazil and a move to Benfica would be the first time playing abroad for the 29 year old. Arao was a member of Jesus' 2019 Copa Libertadores squad.

Benfica 2021/22 season schedule released

The Portuguese League released the 2021/22 season schedule earlier today and Benfica have learned their path to reclaiming glory during the upcoming campaign. Benfica will open the season on the road against Moreirense in August and kick off their home league schedule the following week against recently promoted Arouca at the Estadio da Luz.

Benfica will face Sporting in the Lisbon Derby in Week 13 when they host last seasons league champions. Benfica will travel to Porto for the Classico in Week 16 facing FC Porto at the Dragao, other notable encounters are a Week 5 match up in the Acores against Santa Clara, they host Braga in Week 11 and end the season on the road at Pacos Ferreira.

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