AC Milan have turned up the heat on their pursuit of 20 year old midfielder Florentino Luis as the Italian club hopes to land the youngster during the summer transfer window. Milan are said to be set to offer Benfica a player on their current roster with Lucas Paqueta's name being mentioned as the most likely candidate to be part of the transaction and €15M cash to land Florentino. Milan have been trying to get Florentino to Italy since the winter transfer market and were trying to negotiate an 18 month loan with a €40M buy out clause attached but Benfica turned the move down as they felt the buyout clause was too low. Milan hope by adding the 22 year old attacking midfielder Paqueta as part of the deal this will entice Benfica to let Florentino join their club. Florentino has appeared in 15 games across all competitions for Benfica registering one assist while Paqueta has appeared in 19 games across all competitions for Milan also adding one assist.
The Portuguese Football Federation has set June 4 for league action to resume as they look to conclude the ten remaining games in the season. The Federation has informed both Benfica and FC Porto that the Taca de Portugal Final between both clubs would be played at an undetermined date and location once the league and the clubs are able to agree to a schedule. The Taca which is normally the final game of the Portuguese season and played at Jamor could be played before the seasons final games and due to Jamor Stadium not meeting the requirements set by the Directorate-General of Health. The Federation is looking for alternate stadiums to host the Final with Aveiro's Municipal Stadium and Algarve's Stadium mentioned as potential sites. Benfica will be looking to win their 30th Taca de Portugal title while playing in their 41st title game.
The reports out of Portugal are starting to pick up steam in what could be a Ruben in place of Ruben scenario taking place at Benfica next season. The Ruben's that are being talked about are current Benfica center back Ruben Dias and Olympiakos center back Ruben Semedo. With Benfica coming to terms that a Ruben Dias departure is imminent next season the club has made the Portuguese International and former Sporting center back Semedo its top target to replace Dias in the middle of the Benfica defense. Olympiakos' loan interest in winger Jota could make a move for Semedo more affordable with reports out of Greece stating the defender could be had for under €10M. Semedo has appeared in 37 games across all competitions for Olympiakos this season, scoring on five occasions. Benfica have said that they would like to see the €100M buy out clause for Dias met before they consider moving the 22 year old defender but due to the current COVID-19 pandemic effecting the clubs financials the youngster could be had for much less with the club said to be willing to accept between €60M-€70M for his rights.
